ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bronze

n. · adj. · v.
US //ˈbɹɑnz// UK //bɹˈɒnz// bronze
  1. 1 the metal alloy (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    a hard, reddish-brown metal made by mixing copper and tin.

    a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive. Uncountable in its material sense.

    Example

    The ancient tools were made of bronze because it was stronger than pure copper.

    Example

    Metallurgists in the region began experimenting with bronze alloys as early as 3000 BCE, significantly advancing the production of durable weaponry.
  2. 2 a work of art (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a statue or other work of art made from bronze.

    a sculpture or artistic object cast in bronze. Countable in this sense.

    Example

    The museum has a beautiful bronze of a horse in the main hall.

    Example

    The gallery's collection includes several small bronzes from the Renaissance, each demonstrating remarkable attention to anatomical detail.
  3. 3 third place medal (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    a medal given to the person who finishes third in a race or competition.

    a bronze medal awarded for finishing in third place in a sporting event or competition.

    Example

    She was disappointed with the bronze, as she had hoped for a gold medal.

    Example

    After a grueling final lap, the runner managed to secure the bronze, marking the first time her country had reached the podium in this event.
    • third place
  4. 4 made of bronze (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    made from the metal bronze.

    composed of or consisting of the alloy bronze.

    Example

    The heavy bronze doors of the cathedral were covered in detailed carvings.

    Example

    The architect specified bronze fixtures for the lobby to ensure they would withstand the corrosive effects of the coastal air.

  5. 5 colour or tan (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having a reddish-brown colour, often used to describe skin that has been in the sun.

    having the characteristic reddish-brown colour of bronze; frequently used to describe a sun-tanned complexion.

    Example

    He returned from his summer holiday with a healthy bronze glow.

    Example

    The evening light gave the desert sands a deep bronze hue that shifted to purple as the sun disappeared.
  6. 6 to tan (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    to make skin turn brown by spending time in the sun.

    to cause the skin to become brown or tanned through exposure to sunlight.

    Example

    The hot Mediterranean sun had bronzed his skin over the long summer.

    Example

    Years of working in the open fields had deeply bronzed his face, leaving permanent lines around his eyes.
Origin

From French bronze (1511); from Italian bronzo (13th c.), of uncertain origin (q.v.). First use appears c. 1721 in the writings of Matthew Prior (for which, see citation below).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 19, 2026