copper
KO-puh
Copper (noun) means a reddish-brown metal, chemical symbol Cu, widely used in wiring and pipes for its conductivity. Example: “The old house still has copper plumbing.”
noun
1
A reddish-brown metal, chemical symbol Cu, widely used in wiring and pipes for its conductivity.
"The old house still has copper plumbing."
"Copper prices rose sharply this year."
"Thieves stole the copper from the roof of the village church."
2
A reddish-brown colour, like that of the metal.
"She dyed her hair a deep copper."
"The autumn leaves turned a warm shade of copper."
"Her new car is painted a shiny metallic copper."
3
A low-denomination coin, or coins collectively, historically made of copper.
"He emptied a jar of coppers onto the counter."
"The beggar in the old story held out a few worn coppers."
"A handful of coppers was all he had left for bread."
4
A police officer (informal, chiefly British).
"A copper pulled him over for speeding."
"The copper on the corner told the boys to move along."
"My uncle was a copper for thirty years before he retired."
adj
1
Made of copper, or having its reddish-brown colour.
"The kitchen had copper pots hanging above the stove."
"She wore a copper bracelet that turned her wrist slightly green."
"The dog had a lovely copper coat that glowed in the sun."
How to use copper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe reddish metal, its colour, small-value coins, or (informally, especially in the UK) a police officer.
When to use it
"Copper" for a police officer is informal British slang, roughly equivalent to "cop."
Common pairings
copper wire
copper pipe
copper coin
a copper (police)
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Word forms
- Plural
- coppers
- Third person singular
- coppers
- Past tense
- coppered
- Comparative
- more copper
- Superlative
- most copper
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old house still has _____ plumbing.
Etymology
From Old English coper, from Late Latin cuprum, itself shortened from Latin aes Cyprium ("metal of Cyprus"), an island long famous for copper mining.
Related words
Rhymes for copper
See all rhymes for copper →Frequently asked questions
What does “copper” mean?
The word “copper” means a reddish-brown metal, chemical symbol Cu, widely used in wiring and pipes for its conductivity. In plain terms, the reddish metal, its colour, small-value coins, or (informally, especially in the UK) a police officer.
How do you pronounce “copper”?
“Copper” is pronounced KO-puh (/ˈkɒpə/ in IPA).
How do you use “copper” in a sentence?
Here is “copper” used in a sentence: “The old house still has copper plumbing.”
What part of speech is “copper”?
Depending on how it is used, “copper” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “copper” come from?
The word “copper” comes from Late Latin. From Old English coper, from Late Latin cuprum, itself shortened from Latin aes Cyprium ("metal of Cyprus"), an island long famous for copper mining.
Is “copper” a common word?
“Copper” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “copper” have?
“Copper” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a reddish-brown metal, chemical symbol Cu, widely used in wiring and pipes for its conductivity.
What is the difference between copper and bronze?
Copper is a pure reddish-brown metal with the chemical symbol Cu, used widely in wiring and pipes for its conductivity. Bronze is not a pure metal but an alloy made mainly of copper mixed with tin, which makes it harder than copper alone.
What is the difference between copper and brass?
Copper is a pure reddish-brown metal (symbol Cu) valued for conducting electricity. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, giving it a yellower colour and different properties, so brass contains copper but is not the same metal.
Why is copper used in wiring and pipes?
Copper is a reddish-brown metal prized for its conductivity, which makes it excellent for carrying electricity in wiring. Its durability and resistance to corrosion also make it a common choice for plumbing pipes.
Does 'copper' also refer to a colour?
Yes. Besides the metal, 'copper' names a reddish-brown colour like that of the metal itself. It is often used to describe hair, autumn leaves, or metallic finishes with that warm reddish tone.
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