# aluminum

/əˈɫumənəm/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aluminum
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a light, silver-colored metal that is used to make things like soda cans and kitchen foil. It is very common because it does not rust easily.

For teachers: a lightweight, silvery-white metallic element noted for its low density and resistance to corrosion. This spelling is standard in American and Canadian English.

## Examples

- The soda comes in an aluminum can.
- Many modern bicycle frames are made from aluminum because it is much lighter than steel.
- The aerospace industry relies heavily on aluminum alloys to construct aircraft fuselages that are both structurally sound and light enough for fuel-efficient flight.

## Pitfalls

- Not "an aluminium foil" but "aluminum foil" — When used as a material name, it is uncountable and does not take an indefinite article.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the metal as a material; can be countable when referring to specific industrial alloys.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.