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

Seeing her arrive was like traveling back in time, with the acclaimed actor hitting the carpet in a new yet not-so-new, almost platinum hair color by John Nollet, who also styled it in voluminous, Marilyn Monroe-esque curls blown up and off her face. —Marci Robin, Allure, 12 Jan. 2026

The stones appear to be set in either an 18-karat white gold or a platinum band. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026

Adjective

But the hip-hop artist is best known for his writing and production work on the Fugees’ second and final album, 1996’s multi-platinum bestseller The Score, which received widespread critical and commercial acclaim and led to Forté’s Grammy nomination at the age of 21. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2026

The news of the multi-platinum, multiple Grammy-winning pop superstar’s latest release was announced on his Instagram account on Wednesday. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 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