1
a
: a soft gray powder that is mixed with water and other substances to make concrete
a bag of cement
cement mix
b
: the hard substance that is made when cement is mixed with water and allowed to dry : concrete
There is a layer of cement under the bricks.
cement blocks
a cement floor
2
: a substance that is used to make things stick together : glue
rubber cement
—sometimes used figurativelyTradition is the cement that holds this community together.
cements; cemented; cementing
1
: to join (things) together with cement
—usually used as (be) cemented
The parts are then cemented together.
A thick post was cemented to the floor.
2
: to make (something) stronger
A win would cement her reputation as a strong competitor.
The many hours they spent working together helped to cement their relationship. [=to make their relationship strong]
Cite this Entry
“Cement.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/cement. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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