# steel

/ˈstiɫ/ (US) · /stˈiːl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/steel
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the metal

noun · CEFR B2

a strong, hard metal made of iron and carbon, used for making buildings, cars, and tools.

For teachers: a hard, strong, gray or bluish-gray alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used extensively as a structural and fabricating material.

- The skyscraper was built with a massive frame made of steel.
- Modern engineering relies heavily on high-grade steel to ensure the structural integrity of bridges and high-rise buildings.

### 3. strength of character

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a quality of being very strong, determined, and not easily upset.

For teachers: a quality of extreme hardness, resilience, or cold determination in a person's character.

- You could see the steel in her eyes as she faced her opponent.
- Despite the mounting pressure from the board, the CEO showed nerves of steel and refused to resign.

### 4. to prepare oneself

verb · CEFR B2

to prepare yourself to be strong before doing something difficult or unpleasant.

For teachers: to prepare oneself for something difficult or unpleasant by hardening one's resolve. Transitive, often used reflexively with 'oneself'.

- She had to steel herself before giving the bad news to her team.
- He steeled himself against the cold wind before stepping out of the cabin into the blizzard.

Usage: Commonly used in the pattern 'steel oneself for' or 'steel oneself against'.

### 5. made of steel

adjective · CEFR B2

made of the metal called steel.

For teachers: composed of or consisting of steel.

- The factory was surrounded by a tall steel fence.
- The industrial designer opted for a brushed steel finish to give the appliance a modern, minimalist aesthetic.

## Examples

- The workers used heavy steel beams to build the new office tower.
- Modern skyscrapers rely on a skeleton of reinforced steel to remain stable during high winds and earthquakes.
- The industrial revolution was propelled by advancements in the mass production of steel, which allowed for the expansion of railway networks across the continent.

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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.