ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cement

n. · v.
US //səˈmɛnt// UK //sɪmˈɛnt// ce·ment
  1. 1 building material (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a grey powder that you mix with water and sand to make concrete for building.

    a powdered substance of calcined limestone and clay used as a binder in concrete and mortar.

    Example

    The workers mixed the cement with water to start building the wall.

    Example

    The construction crew required several tonnes of high-grade cement to complete the foundation before the heavy rains began.
    Pitfall
    The sidewalk is made of cement.
    The sidewalk is made of concrete.

    Cement is the powder ingredient; concrete is the finished hard material used for roads and paths.

  2. 2 glue or adhesive (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    any strong glue or substance used to stick things together.

    any material with strong adhesive properties used for bonding surfaces or filling gaps.

    Example

    He used a special rubber cement to fix the puncture in his bike tyre.

    Example

    The technician applied a thin layer of contact cement to the laminate, ensuring a permanent bond between the two surfaces.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 part of a tooth (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    the hard, bone-like layer that covers the root of a tooth.

    a specialised bony substance covering the root of a tooth, also known as cementum.

    Example

    The dentist explained that the cement protects the root of the tooth under the gum.

    Example

    Periodontal disease can lead to the erosion of the dental cement, eventually compromising the structural integrity of the tooth's attachment.
    • cementum
  2. 4 to strengthen a relationship (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make a relationship, agreement, or idea stronger and more permanent.

    to establish a firm or permanent basis for a relationship, agreement, or reputation.

    Example

    The two companies signed a deal to cement their partnership for the next five years.

    Example

    The president hoped that the successful trade summit would cement his legacy as a master of international diplomacy.
  3. 5 to join physically (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to stick things together using cement or a similar strong substance.

    to join or bond surfaces together using an adhesive agent.

    Example

    You need to cement the pipes together carefully to prevent any leaks.

    Example

    The artisan carefully cemented the mosaic tiles onto the backing, ensuring each piece was perfectly level with its neighbour.
Origin

From Middle English syment, cyment, from Old French ciment, from Latin caementum (“quarry stone; stone chips for making mortar”), from caedō (“to cut, hew”). Doublet of cementum.

© 2026 English Reference