# bronze

/ˈbɹɑnz/ (US) · /bɹˈɒnz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bronze
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the metal alloy

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The ancient tools were made of bronze because it was stronger than pure copper.
- Metallurgists in the region began experimenting with bronze alloys as early as 3000 BCE, significantly advancing the production of durable weaponry.

### 2. a work of art

noun · CEFR B2

a statue or other work of art made from bronze.

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

- The museum has a beautiful bronze of a horse in the main hall.
- The gallery's collection includes several small bronzes from the Renaissance, each demonstrating remarkable attention to anatomical detail.

### 3. third place medal

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

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

### 4. made of bronze

adjective · CEFR B1

made from the metal bronze.

For teachers: composed of or consisting of the alloy bronze.

- The heavy bronze doors of the cathedral were covered in detailed carvings.
- The architect specified bronze fixtures for the lobby to ensure they would withstand the corrosive effects of the coastal air.

### 5. colour or tan

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- He returned from his summer holiday with a healthy bronze glow.
- The evening light gave the desert sands a deep bronze hue that shifted to purple as the sun disappeared.

### 6. to tan

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

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

- The hot Mediterranean sun had bronzed his skin over the long summer.
- Years of working in the open fields had deeply bronzed his face, leaving permanent lines around his eyes.

## Examples

- The artist made a beautiful statue out of bronze.
- The athlete was proud to take home the bronze after a very competitive race.
- Archaeologists discovered several bronze artifacts that suggest the civilization possessed advanced metallurgical skills long before their neighbors developed similar techniques.

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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.