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noun Common

chrome

krohm

Chrome (noun) means a shiny, silvery coating of chromium applied to other metals. Example: “The old motorcycle had gleaming chrome fenders.”

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noun

1

A shiny, silvery coating of chromium applied to other metals.

"The old motorcycle had gleaming chrome fenders."

"He polished the chrome on the car bumper until it sparkled."

2

The visible frame elements of a piece of software, such as toolbars and window borders, as opposed to the actual content.

"The app hides the browser chrome to give a fullscreen reading view."

verb

1

To coat something with a layer of chrome.

"The wheels were chromed before the show."

How to use chrome

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA shiny metal coating, or (in software) the visible controls surrounding the main content.

Easily confused with

chromium →

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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

chromed past tense, chromes plural, chromes singular

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The old motorcycle had gleaming _____ fenders.

Etymology

From French chrome, from Greek khrôma (\"colour\") — named for the vivid colours of chromium's compounds.

Origin: French

Synonyms

chromium plating trim finish brightwork chromium-plate

Related words

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Rhymes for chrome

ome some come home Rome nome tome dome gnome genome become income

See all rhymes for chrome →

Frequently asked questions

What does “chrome” mean?

The word “chrome” means a shiny, silvery coating of chromium applied to other metals. In plain terms, a shiny metal coating, or (in software) the visible controls surrounding the main content.

How do you pronounce “chrome”?

“Chrome” is pronounced krohm (/kɹoʊm/ in IPA).

How do you use “chrome” in a sentence?

Here is “chrome” used in a sentence: “The old motorcycle had gleaming chrome fenders.”

What is another word for “chrome”?

Words with a similar meaning to “chrome” include chromium-plate.

What part of speech is “chrome”?

Depending on how it is used, “chrome” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “chrome” come from?

The word “chrome” comes from French. From French chrome, from Greek khrôma (\"colour\") — named for the vivid colours of chromium's compounds.

Is “chrome” a common word?

“Chrome” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “chrome” have?

“Chrome” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a shiny, silvery coating of chromium applied to other metals.

What is the difference between chrome and chromium?

Chromium is the chemical element, a hard, grayish metal, while chrome usually refers to the shiny, silvery coating of chromium applied over other metals for protection and shine. In everyday use, "chrome" names the bright finish you see on taps, trim, and fittings, whereas "chromium" names the underlying element.

What is the difference between chrome and stainless steel?

Chrome is a thin chromium coating applied over another metal to give a bright, mirror-like finish, whereas stainless steel is a solid steel-and-chromium alloy all the way through. Chrome offers a shinier, more reflective surface, while stainless steel is valued for being strong and rust-resistant as a whole material.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial