1
: a widely distributed mineral consisting of hydrous calcium sulfate that is used especially as a soil amendment and in making plaster of paris
2
: drywall
Examples of gypsum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In one of the most fascinating Roman burials ever uncovered in Colchester, the remains of a woman surfaced during an archaeological investigation who was buried with objects and valuable substances such as frankincense and gypsum.
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
Residue analysis has identified frankincense and gypsum within the coffin, and exotic resins in one of the glass vessels, offering a rare glimpse into how her body was treated after her death.
—Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Traditional bridge construction in Iran, Oman, and Afghanistan often involved the use of sarooj, a special hydraulic mortar (a mortar that hardens on contact with water) made of lime, clay, sand, and, in some recipes, gypsum.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
Both Bestor and architect Tim Barber, who counts Matt Duffer and Ramin Djawadi as clients, employ Densdeck Roof Boards and Densinglas sheeting, a fiberglass-matt gypsum panel considered sustainable because of its durability and recycled content, in their work.
—Abigail Stone, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
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Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
Residue analysis has identified frankincense and gypsum within the coffin, and exotic resins in one of the glass vessels, offering a rare glimpse into how her body was treated after her death.
—Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Traditional bridge construction in Iran, Oman, and Afghanistan often involved the use of sarooj, a special hydraulic mortar (a mortar that hardens on contact with water) made of lime, clay, sand, and, in some recipes, gypsum.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
Both Bestor and architect Tim Barber, who counts Matt Duffer and Ramin Djawadi as clients, employ Densdeck Roof Boards and Densinglas sheeting, a fiberglass-matt gypsum panel considered sustainable because of its durability and recycled content, in their work.
—Abigail Stone, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gypsum
Cite this Entry
“Gypsum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gypsum. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gypsum
noun
gyp·sum
ˈjip-səm 
: a colorless mineral that consists of calcium sulfate occurring in crystals or masses and that is used especially as a soil improver and in making plaster of paris
Medical Definition
gypsum
noun
gyp·sum
ˈjip-səm
: a widely distributed mineral CaSO4·2H2O consisting of hydrous calcium sulfate that is used especially as a soil amendment and in making plaster of paris
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