noun

solder

SOL-duh

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Solder (noun) means a metal alloy that melts easily and is used to join or coat metal parts, often small ones. Example: “He wiped a little solder onto the tip of the iron.”

noun

A metal alloy that melts easily and is used to join or coat metal parts, often small ones.

"He wiped a little solder onto the tip of the iron."

"The plumber ran out of solder halfway through the job."

"Lead-free solders are now common in electronics."

verb

To join metal items together, or to coat them, using solder.

"She soldered the wire to the circuit board."

"I need to solder a new plug onto this lead."

"He soldered the two pipes together."

How to use solder

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA meltable metal alloy, or the act of joining metal with it.

When to use it

It is a neutral, technical word used in trades, electronics and hobby work.

Memory tip

The noun and the verb are spelled the same, so check the sentence to see whether it means the alloy or the action.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

soldier →

Common pairings

lead-free solder solder a joint soldering iron solder wire

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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”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He wiped a little _____ onto the tip of the iron.

Etymology

The word came into Middle English from Old French, where the noun and the verb were closely related. The French verb in turn comes from the Latin solidāre, meaning to make solid.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

View more →

braze

Antonyms

desolder

Related words

braze brazen

Rhymes for solder

older folder holder beholder gasholder stakeholder stockholder shareholder

See all rhymes for solder →

Frequently asked questions

What is solder made of?

Solder is an alloy that melts easily, commonly made from tin and lead. It is used to join or coat small metal objects.

How do you pronounce solder?

In British English it is usually said SOL-duh, so the l is sounded.

What is the difference between soldering and welding?

Soldering joins metal parts with a melted alloy placed between them. Welding is a different process, and the two are often confused.

What is the meaning of solder?

"solder" (noun) means a metal alloy that melts easily and is used to join or coat metal parts, often small ones.

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