refine

verb

re·​fine ri-ˈfīn How to pronounce refine (audio)
refined; refining

transitive verb

1
: to free (something, such as metal, sugar, or oil) from impurities or unwanted material
2
: to free from moral imperfection : elevate
3
: to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
refine a poetic style
4
: to reduce in vigor or intensity
5
: to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth

intransitive verb

1
: to become pure or perfected
2
: to make improvement by introducing subtleties or distinctions
refiner noun

Examples of refine in a Sentence

The inventor of the machine spent years refining the design. The class is meant to help you refine your writing style.
Recent Examples on the Web Vacheron Constantin has refined the Patrimony for this year, subtly thinning and shrinking the case while also adding a sun-ray dial intended to catpure the vibe of Vacheron’s best 1950s models. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 May 2024 Officials will continue to refine the budget before the City Council approves it in June. Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for refine 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refine was in 1582

Dictionary Entries Near refine

Cite this Entry

“Refine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refine. Accessed 12 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

refine

verb
re·​fine ri-ˈfīn How to pronounce refine (audio)
refined; refining
1
: to come or bring to a pure state
refine sugar
2
: to make or become improved
3
: to free from what is vulgar
4
: to improve by introducing something that makes a small difference
refined upon the older methods
refiner noun

Medical Definition

refine

transitive verb
re·​fine ri-ˈfīn How to pronounce refine (audio)
refined; refining
: to free (as sugar or oil) from impurities or unwanted material

More from Merriam-Webster on refine

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