refinement

noun

re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce refinement (audio)
1
: the action or process of refining
2
: the quality or state of being refined : cultivation
3
a
: a refined feature or method
b
: a highly refined distinction : subtlety
c
: a contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect

Examples of refinement in a Sentence

the recent refinements in this area of medical technology had a sense of refinement that her small hometown couldn't satisfy, so she moved to New York City to be closer to great museums and concert halls
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.
Automate aids the refinement of end-to-end processes and further systematization. Peter High, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Input & Connectivity Improvements The new color and size are the most obvious changes, but there are quite a few other alterations considering this is more of a refinement than a generational leap for the Ally. Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 2 Nov. 2024 Axiom Space The suit has a carbon dioxide scrubbing and cooling technology that is probably a refinement on the sublimation system used for Apollo. David Szondy, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024 It’s also found ways to clear major technical hurdles that other attempts at this kind of iron refinement have failed to surmount. Alison Van Houten, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for refinement 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refinement was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near refinement

Cite this Entry

“Refinement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refinement. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

refinement

noun
re·​fine·​ment ri-ˈfīn-mənt How to pronounce refinement (audio)
1
: the action or process of refining
2
: the state of being refined : cultivation
3
a
: something that has been refined
refinements in dress and behavior
b
: something intended to improve or refine

More from Merriam-Webster on refinement

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!