steel
steel
Steel (noun) means a strong, hard metal made from iron combined with carbon and other elements. Example: “The bridge was built with reinforced steel beams.”
noun
1
A strong, hard metal made from iron combined with carbon and other elements.
"The bridge was built with reinforced steel beams."
"She bought a set of steel kitchen knives."
"The old factory once made steel for ships and trains."
2
Emotional toughness or determination.
"He showed real steel in facing the diagnosis."
"You need real steel to keep going when things get tough."
"Her calm face hid a core of steel."
verb
1
To mentally prepare oneself for something difficult.
"She steeled herself before delivering the bad news."
"He steeled himself to walk out onto the stage."
"Steel yourself, because the news is not good."
How to use steel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe tough metal alloy, or figuratively, mental toughness and resolve.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "steal" (to take without permission) — they sound identical but are unrelated.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
steel yourself
nerves of steel
stainless steel
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Word forms
- Plural
- steels
- Third person singular
- steels
- Past tense
- steeled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The bridge was built with reinforced _____ beams.
Etymology
From Old English stiele, related to a Germanic root meaning "to be firm or rigid."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for steel
See all rhymes for steel →Frequently asked questions
What does “steel” mean?
The word “steel” means a strong, hard metal made from iron combined with carbon and other elements. In plain terms, the tough metal alloy, or figuratively, mental toughness and resolve.
How do you pronounce “steel”?
“Steel” is pronounced steel (/stiːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “steel” in a sentence?
Here is “steel” used in a sentence: “The bridge was built with reinforced steel beams.”
What part of speech is “steel”?
Depending on how it is used, “steel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “steel” come from?
The word “steel” comes from Old English. From Old English stiele, related to a Germanic root meaning "to be firm or rigid.".
Is “steel” a common word?
“Steel” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “steel” have?
“Steel” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong, hard metal made from iron combined with carbon and other elements.
What is the difference between 'steel' and 'steal'?
They sound identical but mean completely different things. Steel is the strong, hard metal made from iron and carbon, used in construction and tools. Steal is a verb meaning to take something that isn't yours without permission. One is a material; the other is an action — and a crime.
What is the difference between steel and iron?
Iron is a pure metal element. Steel is an alloy made by combining iron with a small amount of carbon, and sometimes other elements. That addition makes steel much stronger, harder, and more durable than iron alone, which is why steel is preferred for building and manufacturing.
What are the main types of steel?
Common categories include carbon steel, valued for strength; stainless steel, which resists rust thanks to added chromium; alloy steel, mixed with elements like nickel or manganese for specific properties; and tool steel, made hard enough for cutting and shaping. Each blends iron with different elements for a particular use.
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