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

Another standout call highlighted a catch-up trade in platinum prices, which broke out from a long-term triangle pattern in early June. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026

Debuting her new platinum blond hair, Hadid was seen hitting stores with friends — at one point toting a large Revolve x Fwrd bag — and pausing to snap photos with fans. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 3 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Some photographers were lucky enough to see the multi-platinum-selling artist go from humble beginnings to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and beyond. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 1 Jan. 2026

First multi-platinum recording artist to go back to school and play DIVISION I football. —Sam Jane, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025

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