platinum

1 of 2

noun

plat·​i·​num ˈpla-tə-nəm 

ˈplat-nəm

often attributive

1

: a precious grayish-white noncorroding ductile malleable heavy metallic element that fuses with difficulty and is used especially in chemical ware and apparatus, as a catalyst, and in dental and jewelry alloys see Chemical Elements Table

2

: a moderate gray

platinum

2 of 2

adjective

: qualifying for a platinum record

see also:

go platinum

Examples of platinum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Since marrying The 1975 drummer George Daniel in July 2025, Charli has worn a vintage, round-diamond solitaire engagement ring, reportedly sourced from Claude Morady Estate Jewelry, with a chunky, sculptural platinum wedding band. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

The Sprott Physical Platinum and Palladium Trust (SPPP) and Sprott Physical Silver Trust (PSLV) both hold physical precious metals, experiencing significant declines as platinum, palladium, and silver slump after a 2025 surge. — Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Adjective

The comedian rose to fame in the mid-2000s with multi-platinum comedy albums, including Retaliation, and has appeared in films such as Good Luck Chuck, Employee of the Month and My Best Friend’s Girl. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026

Watch the Throne with Kanye West (2011) Kanye West had produced some of Jay-Z’s greatest songs for over a decade, and in that time also became a multi-platinum rap star in his own right. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin, from Spanish platina, from diminutive of plata silver — more at plate

First Known Use

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1971, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing platinum

• cis-platinum
• go platinum
• platinum blonde
• platinum record

Kids Definition

platinum

1 of 2 noun

plat·​i·​num ˈplat-nəm 

-ᵊn-əm

: a heavy precious grayish white metallic element that is used especially as a catalyst and in jewelry see element

platinum

2 of 2 adjective

: qualifying for a platinum record

Medical Definition

platinum

noun

plat·​i·​num ˈplat-nəm, -ᵊn-əm 

: a heavy precious grayish white noncorroding ductile malleable metallic element that fuses with difficulty and is used especially in chemical ware and apparatus, as a catalyst, and in dental and jewelry alloys

—symbol Pt see Chemical Elements Table