tinplate

1 of 2

noun

tin·​plate ˈtin-ˈplāt How to pronounce tinplate (audio)
: thin sheet iron or steel coated with tin

tin-plate

2 of 2

verb

ˈtin-ˈplāt How to pronounce tin-plate (audio)
tin-plated; tin-plating; tin-plates

transitive verb

: to plate or coat (something, such as a metal sheet) with tin

Examples of tinplate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The latter are suspended from a bit of metalwork, often made of brass or tinplate, of the type known as tole. — Curbed, 13 July 2022 Still, access to affordable tinplate is non-negotiable and remains a wild card. — Emily Lorsch, NBC news, 26 July 2025 The mill’s last working section that made tinplate was idled in May, affecting 600 union jobs. — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2025 He's credited with helping to protect the fledgling tinplate industry in the late 19th century. — Planet Money Staff, NPR, 25 Feb. 2025 Can manufacturing, whether tinplate or aluminum, is brutally competitive. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
These minerals likely came from the tin-plated can the powder was stored in and the equipment and water supply used during that time period. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1677, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tinplate was in 1677

Rhymes for tinplate

See All Rhymes for tinplate

Browse Nearby Words

tin pest
tinplate
tin-plate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tinplate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tinplate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tinplate

noun
tin·​plate ˈtin-ˈplāt How to pronounce tinplate (audio)
: thin sheet iron or steel coated with tin
tin-plate verb

More from Merriam-Webster on tinplate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tinplate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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