refined

adjective

re·​fined ri-ˈfīnd How to pronounce refined (audio)
1
: free from impurities
2
3
: precise, exact
a refined test for radioactivity

Examples of refined in a Sentence

She has become more refined in her painting technique. He has very refined manners. refined and elegant works of art
Recent Examples on the Web For brunch in bed For the fabulous host, caviar is such a refined gift to add a special flare to a night with guests. Kelly Wearstler, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2024 Where to Stay: In Aspen, The Little Nell, a Relais & Châteaux hotel, offers five-star luxury, refined dining, and an extensive wine collection, and Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a historic landmark with modern amenities. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2024 The collection includes several options for dressing down, with lightweight polo shirts, refined outerwear, and updated takes on classic knitwear. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2024 Naturally, there is opposition, principally from Big Potato, which views the vegetable designation to be good for business, even if — nutritionally speaking — potatoes are more like a refined carbohydrate. San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2024 The Elias Belt Bag is made from refined pebble leather and has an outside zip pocket, an inside multifunction pocket, a removable round coin case, and a zip closure. Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024 On the red carpets, A-listers such as Ariana Grande, Lupita Nyong’o, and Hunter Schafer all embraced spring silhouette that were elegant and refined—and heavy on the sprightly colors and floral prints. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2024 Naples Art District is a serene escape for those seeking a more refined and laid-back cultural experience. Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2024 Fordow’s most refined product today has a U-235 purity of 60 percent, IAEA reports show. Joby Warrick, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refined.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refined was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near refined

Cite this Entry

“Refined.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refined. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

refined

adjective
re·​fined
ri-ˈfīnd
1
: socially well-trained : well-bred, cultivated
very refined manners
2
: freed from impurities : pure
refined sugar
3
: carried to a fine point : subtle
refined measurements

More from Merriam-Webster on refined

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