rare earth

noun

1

: any of a group of similar oxides of metals or a mixture of such oxides occurring together in widely distributed but relatively scarce minerals

2

: rare earth element

Examples of rare earth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Greenland ranks eighth in the world for rare earth reserves, essential materials to developing advanced electronics, electric cars and high-performance magnets. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026

Lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are the new oil, essential for batteries, turbines, motors, and more. —Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

South Korean and Canadian companies have already signed six cooperation agreements spanning steel, artificial intelligence (AI), rare earths, satellites and sensors. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026

China has long dominated the rare earths market , and produces 67% of the world’s germanium, a vital component in developing military imaging, fiber optic communications and solar cells, Canaccord analyst Austin Moeller wrote in a 33-page report. —Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rare earth

• afterbirth
• berth
• birth
• dearth
• firth
• girth
• mirth
• worth
• childbirth
• rebirth
• stillbirth
• tamworth

Medical Definition

rare earth

noun

ˌrer-ˈərth 

1

: any of a group of similar oxides of metals or a mixture of such oxides occurring together in widely distributed but relatively scarce minerals

2

: rare earth element