copper

1 of 3

noun (1)

cop·​per ˈkä-pər How to pronounce copper (audio)
plural coppers
Synonyms of coppernext
1
: a metallic chemical element with atomic number 29 that is easily formed into sheets and wires and is one of the best known conductors of heat and electricity
—often used before another noun
copper wire
a copper mug
copper mines
 see Chemical Elements Table
2
: a coin or token made of copper or bronze
3
chiefly British : a large boiler (as for cooking)
4
: any of a subfamily (Lycaeninae of the family Lycaenidae) of small butterflies with usually copper-colored wings

copper

2 of 3

verb

coppered; coppering ˈkä-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce copper (audio)

transitive verb

: to coat or sheathe with or as if with copper

copper

3 of 3

noun (2)

plural coppers
: police officer

Synonyms of copper

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Noun (2)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of copper in a Sentence

Noun (2) a crime novel set in the days when policemen were coppers and safecrackers were "yeggs"
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The detention of Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu on Thursday risks clouding Lusaka’s credentials as a relatively stable southern African democracy and denting investor confidence in Africa’s second-largest copper producer. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Candlelit copper builds it right into your hair, with soft, glowy highlights that add richness and warmth (especially on curls like Megan Thee Stallion’s). — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026 The part of the moon still reached by sunlight will be small enough for observers to see as the rest of it takes on a copper color under the Earth’s shadow. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 Hichilema was declared the winner of an unusually troubled presidential election in the copper-rich southern African nation that has a history of largely peaceful votes. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for copper

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English coper, from Old English, from Late Latin cuprum copper, from Latin (aes) Cyprium, literally, Cyprian metal

Noun (2)

cop entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1530, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of copper was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing copper

Rhymes for copper

See All Rhymes for copper

Browse Nearby Words

Coppell
copper
copper acetate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Copper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copper. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

copper

1 of 2 noun
cop·​per ˈkäp-ər How to pronounce copper (audio)
1
: a reddish metallic element that is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity see element
2
: a copper or bronze coin
3
chiefly British : a large copper kettle or boiler
4
: any of various small butterflies with usually copper-colored wings
coppery
ˈkäp-(ə-)rē
adjective

copper

2 of 2 noun
: police officer

Medical Definition

copper

noun
cop·​per ˈkäp-ər How to pronounce copper (audio)
: a metallic chemical element with atomic number 29 that is ductile and malleable and one of the best conductors of heat and electricity
—symbol Cu see Chemical Elements Table
coppery
ˈkäp-(ə-)rē How to pronounce copper (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on copper

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about copper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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