1
: ore
2
: something neither animal nor vegetable
3
: an inorganic substance
especially
: one (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc) that cannot be synthesized in the body and is essential in minute quantities to the function and structure of living organisms
4
a
: a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound that results from the inorganic processes of nature
broadly
: any of various naturally occurring homogeneous substances (such as stone, coal, salt, sulfur, sand, petroleum, water, or natural gas) obtained usually from the ground
b
: a synthetic substance having the chemical composition and crystalline form and properties of a naturally occurring mineral
5
obsolete
: mine
6
Examples of mineral in a Sentence
Noun
an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals
Recent Examples on the Web
Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Chinese export controls on rare earth minerals have complicated domestic manufacturing.
—Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
At its core is mineral SPF 50+ for broad-spectrum UV defense, along with niacinamide to help refine texture, allantoin to moisturize, and bisabolol to soothe and brighten.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mineral
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Noun
Over the years, the state’s mining industry has resulted in large quantities of coal mining waste that are being viewed as having the potential to be reused to extract rare earth elements and other critical minerals.
—Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Chinese export controls on rare earth minerals have complicated domestic manufacturing.
—Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Techniques like laser cutting and engraving add texture, while mineral pigments create metallic finishes.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
At its core is mineral SPF 50+ for broad-spectrum UV defense, along with niacinamide to help refine texture, allantoin to moisturize, and bisabolol to soothe and brighten.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mineral
Cite this Entry
“Mineral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mineral. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mineral
1 of 2 noun
min·er·al
ˈmin-(ə-)rəl 
1
: a solid chemical element or compound (as diamond or quartz) that occurs naturally in the form of crystals and results from inorganic processes
2
: a naturally occurring substance (as ore, petroleum, or water) obtained usually from the ground
mineral
2 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a mineral : inorganic
2
: containing mineral salts or gases
mineral water
Medical Definition
mineral
1 of 2 noun
min·er·al
ˈmin(-ə)-rəl
: a solid homogeneous crystalline chemical element or compound that results from the inorganic processes of nature
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