white metal

noun

1
: any of several light-colored alloys used especially as a base for plated silverware and ornaments and novelties
2
: any of several lead-base or tin-base alloys (such as babbitt) used especially for bearings, fusible plugs, and type metal

Examples of white metal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Environmental Protection Agency describes Cs-137 as a flexible, soft, and silvery-white metal that liquifies near room temperature. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Aug. 2025 The sleek portable light has a glass shade, white metal details, and a top handle for carrying. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025 In its natural form, lithium is an element, a soft, silvery-white metal that readily combines with other elements to form compounds and salts. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025 In the interim, sidewalks have been extended along stretches of the street using thin white metal fencing. Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for white metal

Word History

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of white metal was in 1562

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Cite this Entry

“White metal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20metal. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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