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.”
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."
"The kettle's chrome surface reflected the whole kitchen."
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."
"Designers often strip away the chrome so the video fills the screen."
"The browser's chrome takes up too much space on a small laptop screen."
verb
1
To coat something with a layer of chrome.
"The wheels were chromed before the show."
"He plans to chrome the old handlebars to make the bike look new."
"They chromed the bumpers and the grille to finish the restoration."
How to use chrome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA shiny metal coating, or (in software) the visible controls surrounding the main content.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- chromes
- Third person singular
- chromes
- Past tense
- chromed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old motorcycle had gleaming _____ fenders.
Etymology
From French chrome, from Greek khrôma (\"colour\") — named for the vivid colours of chromium's compounds.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for chrome
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.
