WordGarden.iosilver
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪlvə/
US
- /ˈsɪlvər/
Meanings
Noun
a shiny gray-white precious metal
a silver medal or second-place award in a competition
Adjective
made of silver or having a shiny gray-white metallic color
Beyond the definition
Silver isn't just the bright metal used for jewelry and coins; it's also a cool, pale gray color, like moonlight or polished steel. Think of a "silver lining" as something good you can still find in a hard time. It can also refer to things made of this metal, like old silverware passed down through generations. The "silver screen" is another name for the world of movies.
This metal has been prized throughout history. Ancient civilizations used it for decoration and trade, and today it is still valued for both beauty and practical uses. You might describe someone as having "silver hair" or a "silver tongue," meaning they speak in a very smooth and persuasive way.
Silver is a lustrous, grayish-white metal known for carrying electricity and heat very well. For centuries, it has been valued for making jewelry, silverware, coins, and decorative objects, from ornate tea sets to delicate pendants. But silver is not only a material; it also carries symbolic meaning.
The phrase "silver lining" refers to a hopeful part of an otherwise difficult situation, a small sign of light in a dark moment. The "silver screen" is an old-fashioned term for the world of cinema, bringing to mind movie stars and flickering light. You might describe someone with "silver hair" as older and dignified, with a sense of experience. A "silver tongue" describes someone who is very persuasive and able to win people over with words.
Beyond its beauty and symbolism, silver also plays an important role in industry, from older photography to electronics and medicine. Very small pieces of silver are even used for their antibacterial qualities.
So, whether you are admiring a delicate silver necklace, hoping to find a silver lining, or enjoying a film on the silver screen, this versatile metal continues to shine in both history and modern life.
Examples
- 1
Jewelry
She wore a silver bracelet that had belonged to her grandmother.
- 2
Color in nature
In the moonlight, the surface of the lake looked almost silver.
- 3
Hair color
His hair is turning silver, but he still looks young.
- 4
Sports medal
Our team won silver at the national championships.
- Phrasewin silver
finish in second place in a competition
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Household valuables
The family silver is only brought out on special occasions.
- Phrasethe family silver
valuable silver knives, forks, and similar objects
- 6
Hopeful side
There was a silver lining to the delay: it gave us more time to prepare.
- Phrasea silver lining
a hopeful side of a bad situation
- 7
Movies
She had always dreamed of seeing her name on the silver screen.
- Phrasethe silver screen
the cinema industry or movies
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- silvernounverbadjective
Forms
- silversverbnounadjective
- silveredpast tenseverbnounadjective
- silvering-ing formverbnounadjective