platinum

1 of 2

noun

plat·​i·​num ˈpla-tə-nəm How to pronounce platinum (audio)
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
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.
Noun
The three-time Grammy winners have amassed more than 14 billion global streams and 139 worldwide gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications. — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Electrolyzers operating with desalinated seawater or acidic solutions typically employ titanium structural components, including titanium protected with expensive gold or platinum coatings. — New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
The three-time Grammy winners have amassed more than 14 billion global streams and 139 worldwide gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications. — Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Directed by Kirk DeMicco from a screenplay by Ben Falcone and Damon Jones, Margie Claus will also have original songs written and produced by Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum selling artist Meghan Trainor along with Falcone and Jones. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for platinum

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of platinum was in 1794

Phrases Containing platinum

Browse Nearby Words

platinotype
platinum
platinum black
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Platinum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platinum. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

platinum

1 of 2 noun
plat·​i·​num ˈplat-nəm How to pronounce platinum (audio)
-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 How to pronounce platinum (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on platinum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about platinum

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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