noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

aluminum

al-uu-MIHN-yuhm

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Also spelled aluminium (UK spelling)

Aluminum (noun) means the American, Canadian, and Philippine spelling of aluminium, the lightweight silvery metal. Example: “He wrapped the leftover sandwiches in aluminum foil before leaving the picnic.”

noun

The American, Canadian, and Philippine spelling of aluminium, the lightweight silvery metal.

"He wrapped the leftover sandwiches in aluminum foil before leaving the picnic."

"Empty aluminum cans can be recycled and made into new ones."

"The pan is made of aluminum for even heating."

How to use aluminum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe North American spelling of the metal known elsewhere as aluminium.

UK vs US

Standard in the US and Canada; most other English-speaking countries use "aluminium."

Easily confused with

aluminium →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: aluminums

Test yourself on “aluminum” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He wrapped the leftover sandwiches in _____ foil before leaving the picnic.

Etymology

Coined by British chemist Humphry Davy in 1812, from an earlier form "alumium."

· First attested 1812

Class of 1812 aluminum joined the language around 1812.

aluminium chloride slum ti yokel

See the full Class of 1812 →

Synonyms

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aluminium Al

Related words

al Alex Allen aluminium Alvin Xan

Rhymes for aluminum

platinum

See all rhymes for aluminum →

Frequently asked questions

What does “aluminum” mean?

The word “aluminum” means the American, Canadian, and Philippine spelling of aluminium, the lightweight silvery metal. In plain terms, the North American spelling of the metal known elsewhere as aluminium.

How do you pronounce “aluminum”?

“Aluminum” is pronounced al-uu-MIHN-yuhm (/əˈlu.mɪ.nəm/ in IPA).

How do you use “aluminum” in a sentence?

Here is “aluminum” used in a sentence: “The pan is made of aluminum for even heating.”

What part of speech is “aluminum”?

“Aluminum” is a noun.

Where does the word “aluminum” come from?

The word “aluminum” dates back to around 1812. Coined by British chemist Humphry Davy in 1812, from an earlier form "alumium.".

Is “aluminum” a common word?

“Aluminum” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Which is correct, aluminum or aluminium?

Both are correct; they are regional spellings of the same lightweight, silvery metal. Aluminum is standard in the United States, Canada, and the Philippines, while aluminium is used in Britain and most other English-speaking countries and is the usual spelling in international scientific writing.

Why do Americans say aluminum instead of aluminium?

Both spellings arose in the early nineteenth century, when the newly identified element went through several proposed names. American English settled on aluminum, while British English preferred aluminium to match other element names ending in -ium, such as sodium and potassium. Neither spelling is a mistake; they simply became standard in different regions.

Is tin foil the same as aluminum foil?

In modern kitchens, yes — the foil sold today is made of aluminum, and 'tin foil' survives as an informal leftover from the era when household foil really was made of tin. Aluminum long ago replaced tin as the foil-making metal, so calling it tin foil is technically out of date but universally understood.

What kind of metal is aluminum?

Aluminum is a lightweight, silvery metal — the same element the British call aluminium. It is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust and is valued for combining low weight with good strength and corrosion resistance, which is why it appears in everything from drinks cans to aircraft.

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