refinement

noun re·fine·ment \ ri-ˈfīn-mənt \

Updated on: 24 Apr 2018

Definition of refinement

1 : the action or process of refining

2 : the quality or state of being refined : cultivation

3 a : a refined feature or method

b : a highly refined distinction : subtlety

c : a contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect

See refinement defined for English-language learners

See refinement defined for kids

Examples of refinement in a Sentence

the recent refinements in this area of medical technology
had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls

Recent Examples of refinement from the Web

This process of refinement has been going on almost continuously since carmaking began at Sindelfingen in 1926.

— The Economist, "Germany’s conservative economic model is being put to the test," 12 Apr. 2018
The next generation 2019 Sierra Denali establishes a new benchmark in capability and refinement.

— jeff yip, Houston Chronicle, "GMC hatches next-gen 2019 half-ton, offers off-road version, carbon-fiber bed," 7 Apr. 2018
His workouts revealed both great potential and room for refinement.

— mike jones, USA TODAY, "Kirk Cousins' next team among buzz dominating NFL combine rumor mill," 4 Mar. 2018
Pianist Bill Charlap’s trio is known for tackling standard repertoire with peerless technique and refinement.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Singer Cécile McLorin Salvant and pianist Bill Charlap revitalize mainstream jazz tradition from within," 2 Mar. 2018
Now, in terms of Porzingis's refinements, there are a lot.

— andrew sharp, SI.com, "Fact or Fiction: Lauri Markkanen Has a Higher Ceiling Than Kristaps Porzingis?," 12 Jan. 2018
The Golden Globes will hopefully represent a trial stage in the refinement of political messaging in California’s huge and influential communications industry.

— josephine livingstone, New Republic, "Oprah, the Golden Globes, and the Trouble with Red Carpet Activism," 8 Jan. 2018
Urbanity and refinement, along with razor-sharp reflexes and sharply marked rhythm, highlighted his winning performance.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "CSO delivers a winning Ravel program under debut conductor Pintscher," 6 Apr. 2018
The high-end design duo have conquered many of NYC’s tallest and glitziest skyscrapers, building the drama with their trademarks of contemporary refinement and mixed metallics.

— danielle fox, ELLE Decor, "House Tour: An Art-Filled Penthouse Soars Over The NYC Skyline," 2 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'refinement.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of refinement

circa 1611

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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refinement Synonyms

REFINEMENT Defined for English Language Learners

refinement

noun

Definition of refinement for English Language Learners

: the act or process of removing unwanted substances from something : the act or process of making something pure
: the act or process of improving something
: an improved version of something