rare earth

noun

1

: any of a group of similar oxides of metals or a mixture of such oxides occurring together in widely distributed but relatively scarce minerals

2

: rare earth element

Examples of rare earth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Solar panels, wind turbines and batteries need key minerals such as cobalt, lithium, graphite and rare earth elements. —Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026

Separately, the Japanese and French trade ministers signed a deal in a joint rare earths project. —ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026

Resistance is likely to be strongest among European governments, still shocked by Beijing’s threats last year to cut off supplies of rare earths — essential for clean tech — and worried about further hollowing out their own green industries. —Andy Browne, semafor.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Vedanta is strong in the production of copper, zinc, rare earths, and much more. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rare earth

• afterbirth
• berth
• birth
• dearth
• firth
• girth
• mirth
• worth
• childbirth
• rebirth
• stillbirth
• tamworth

Medical Definition

rare earth

noun

ˌrer-ˈərth 

1

: any of a group of similar oxides of metals or a mixture of such oxides occurring together in widely distributed but relatively scarce minerals

2

: rare earth element