platinum

1 of 2

noun

plat·​i·​num ˈpla-tə-nəm 

ˈplat-nəm

often attributive

1

: a precious grayish-white noncorroding ductile malleable heavy metallic element that fuses with difficulty and is used especially in chemical ware and apparatus, as a catalyst, and in dental and jewelry alloys see Chemical Elements Table

2

: a moderate gray

platinum

2 of 2

adjective

: qualifying for a platinum record

see also:

go platinum

Examples of platinum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Implats, which competes with Valterra and Sibanye-Stillwater in the platinum group metals market, has a long-standing presence in Zimbabwe, having steadily built its stake in Zimplats in the early 2000s and become the dominant owner, holding more than 80% of the company. —Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 9 Mar. 2026

Thankfully, there are other options that people can buy, including silver, platinum, and palladium. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Chipotle partnered with multi-platinum hip-hop artist Swae Lee of Rae Sremmurd to co-design an exclusive temporary tattoo flash sheet, drawing inspiration from the artwork featured on Chipotle’s takeout bags. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026

Since the release of Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story anthology, Bessette’s pre-platinum hair color—a golden, California blonde with chunky highlights—has captured beauty fans’ imagination once again. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin, from Spanish platina, from diminutive of plata silver — more at plate

First Known Use

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1971, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing platinum

• cis-platinum
• go platinum
• platinum blonde
• platinum record

Kids Definition

platinum

1 of 2 noun

plat·​i·​num ˈplat-nəm 

-ᵊn-əm

: a heavy precious grayish white metallic element that is used especially as a catalyst and in jewelry see element

platinum

2 of 2 adjective

: qualifying for a platinum record

Medical Definition

platinum

noun

plat·​i·​num ˈplat-nəm, -ᵊn-əm 

: a heavy precious grayish white noncorroding ductile malleable metallic element that fuses with difficulty and is used especially in chemical ware and apparatus, as a catalyst, and in dental and jewelry alloys

—symbol Pt see Chemical Elements Table