# plated

/ˈpɫeɪtɪd/ (US) · /plˈeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plated
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. coated with metal

adjective · CEFR B2

covered with a thin layer of a valuable metal like gold or silver.

For teachers: having a thin coating or layer of metal, typically applied through electrolysis or mechanical bonding.

- She bought a gold-plated necklace because the solid gold one was too expensive.
- The manufacturer used chrome-plated steel for the fixtures to ensure they remained resistant to corrosion in the humid bathroom environment.

### 2. served on a plate

adjective · CEFR B2

food that is served to you on an individual plate rather than as a buffet.

For teachers: referring to a meal served as individual portions on plates, as opposed to family-style or buffet service.

- The wedding dinner will be a three-course plated meal.
- The event coordinator recommended a plated service to maintain a formal atmosphere and ensure precise portion control for the gala.

### 3. covered in scales or armor

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

covered in hard, flat pieces for protection, like an animal's scales or a suit of armor.

For teachers: protected or covered by overlapping or distinct hard plates, often in a biological or historical military context.

- The museum displayed a plated suit of armor from the medieval period.
- The biologist noted that the creature's plated skin served as an effective defense against the sharp teeth of local predators.

## Examples

- The cheap ring is actually gold-plated silver.
- The chef ensured that every dish was beautifully plated before the waiters took them to the dining room.
- While the base metal is copper, the connectors are gold-plated to ensure maximum conductivity and resistance to corrosion over years of heavy industrial use.

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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.