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

Participants, who paid a $75 registration fee, received a white dress, a platinum-blond wig, cat-eye sunglasses, and a martini glass to complete the iconic look. —Staff Photographer, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026

This iteration of the mind-bogglingly complex timepiece is finished in platinum rather than pink gold, adding an extra layer of exclusivity. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 May 2026

Adjective

The track, which became a multi-platinum hit, helped push both hip-hop and house music to the forefront of popular music. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 24 May 2026

To mark the inaugural broadcast, multi-platinum recording artist Dove Cameron will deliver a special performance of 'Your Song' in tribute to Elton John’s legacy. —Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 20 May 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