solder

1 of 2

noun

sol·​der ˈsä-dər 

ˈsȯ-,

 British also  ˈsäl-də,

ˈsōl-

1

: a metal or metallic alloy used when melted to join metallic surfaces

especially : an alloy of lead and tin so used

2

: something that unites

solder

2 of 2

verb

soldered; soldering ˈsä-d(ə-)riŋ 

ˈsȯ-,

 British also  ˈsäl-,

ˈsōl-

transitive verb

1

: to unite or make whole by solder

2

: to bring into or restore to firm union

a friendship soldered by common interests

intransitive verb

1

: to use solder

2

: to become united or repaired by or as if by solder

solderability

ˌsä-də-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌsȯ-

noun

solderer

ˈsä-dər-ər 

ˈsȯ-

noun

Examples of solder in a Sentence

Verb

Wires are soldered onto the circuit board.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In addition to the major components, some tin, lead, and copper were present as chunks of solder and wiring. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 June 2024

Also, be aware that some insulated bottles use lead solder. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 10 Mar. 2025

Verb

Still, all three prove that modular laptop designs have plenty of room to grow, in an era where the trend seems to be toward components soldered down and locked in place. —John Burek, PCMAG, 2 Mar. 2025

The battery is replaceable, but the wireless card is soldered. —PCMAG, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English soudure, from Anglo-French, from souder to solder, from Latin solidare to make solid, from solidus solid

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for solder

• broader
• dodder
• fodder
• odder
• marauder

Kids Definition

solder

1 of 2 noun

sol·​der ˈsäd-ər 

ˈsȯd-

: a metal or a mixture of metals (as of lead and tin) used when melted to join metallic surfaces

solder

2 of 2 verb

soldered; soldering -(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to unite or repair with solder

2

: to become joined or renewed by or as if by the use of solder

solderer

-ər-ər 

noun