ingot

noun

in·​got ˈiŋ-gət 

1

: a mass of metal cast into a convenient shape for storage or transportation to be later processed

2

: a mold in which metal is cast

Did you know?

An ingot is a mass of metal that has been cast into a size and shape (such as a bar, plate, or sheet) that is convenient to store, transport, and work into a semi-finished or finished product. The term also refers to a mold in which metal is so cast. Steel ingots range in size from small rectangular blocks weighing a few pounds (or kilograms) to huge, tapered, octagonal masses weighing more than 500 tons (450 metric tons).

Examples of ingot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Engraved ingots made of real or imitation gold are staples in many Chinese homes for Lunar New Year – which was only days away. —Holly Yan, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025

These will include: Dumplings: Their unique shape resembles a yuanbao, or Chinese golden ingot, which was used as currency in ancient times. —Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 28 Jan. 2025

The case for preferring mining shares to ingots is twofold. —William Baldwin, Forbes, 1 Feb. 2025

The discovery of the ingots provides further evidence that the company’s mines in the region served as an important center for the Roman Empire. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, perhaps modification of Middle French lingot ingot of metal, incorrectly divided as l'ingot, as if from le the

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing ingot

• ingot iron

Kids Definition

ingot

noun

in·​got ˈiŋ-gət 

: a mass of metal cast into a shape that is easy to handle or store