enamel

1 of 2

verb

enam·​el i-ˈna-məl How to pronounce enamel (audio)
enameled or enamelled; enameling or enamelling i-ˈna-mə-liŋ How to pronounce enamel (audio)
-ˈnam-liŋ

transitive verb

1
: to cover, inlay, or decorate with enamel
2
: to beautify with a colorful surface
3
: to form a glossy surface on (a material, such as paper, leather, or cloth)
enameler noun
enamelist noun

enamel

2 of 2

noun

1
: a usually opaque vitreous composition applied by fusion to the surface of metal, glass, or pottery
2
: a surface or outer covering that resembles enamel
3
a
: something that is enameled
4
: a cosmetic intended to give a smooth or glossy appearance
5
: a hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer capping the teeth see tooth illustration
6
: a paint that flows out to a smooth coat when applied and that dries with a glossy appearance

Examples of enamel in a Sentence

Noun The tea set is decorated with enamel. an artist who works with enamels The museum has a fine collection of enamels.
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.
Verb
Le Creuset enameled cast-iron products come in a range of beautiful colors, including more neutral ones and those displaying more vibrant tones. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 24 Oct. 2024 The signature enameled cast iron holds in flavor and prevents food from sticking. Amy Schulman, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024
Noun
The skillet is made with an exterior enamel that resists chipping and cracking, a helper handle, and a pour spout on each side of the pan. Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 2024 The designer is known for her playful, non-traditional style and use of classic metals paired with bright enamels, not common in fine jewelry. Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enamel 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French enameller, from en- + asmal, esmal enamel, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German smelzan to melt — more at smelt entry 2

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enamel was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near enamel

Cite this Entry

“Enamel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enamel. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

enamel

1 of 2 verb
enam·​el in-ˈam-əl How to pronounce enamel (audio)
enameled or enamelled; enameling or enamelling -ˈam-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce enamel (audio)
: to cover or decorate with enamel

enamel

2 of 2 noun
1
: a glassy substance used to coat the surface of metal, glass, or pottery
2
: a surface that resembles enamel
3
: a very hard outer layer covering the crown of a tooth
4
: a paint that turns to a smooth hard coat when applied and dries with a glossy appearance

Medical Definition

enamel

noun
enam·​el in-ˈam-əl How to pronounce enamel (audio)
: the intensely hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer partly covering the teeth of many vertebrates including humans, is the hardest substance of the animal body, and consists of minute prisms secreted by ameloblasts, arranged at right angles to the surface, and bound together by a cement substance compare cementum, dentin

More from Merriam-Webster on enamel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!