foundry
Americannoun
-
an establishment for producing castings in molten metal.
-
the act or process of founding or casting metal.
-
the category of metal objects made by founding; castings.
noun
-
a place in which metal castings are produced
-
the science or practice of casting metal
-
cast-metal articles collectively
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of foundry
From the French word fonderie, dating back to 1595–1605. See found 3, -ery
Explanation
A factory that makes things out of hot metal poured into molds is called a foundry. Many of the ordinary objects in your life have parts that were produced in a foundry. The small metal parts that are needed in everything from trucks and cars to refrigerators, lawnmowers, and airplanes, are known as castings. These castings, used in a wide variety of everyday machines, systems, and appliances, are made in a foundry, where hot molten metal is poured into a mold and allowed to harden. Some foundries are distinguished specifically for what they produce, like a type foundry, which makes typefaces for printing presses.
Vocabulary lists containing foundry
Gold Rush: Mining and Metals
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Let America Be America Again"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Cat's Cradle
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Analysts project Intel’s server CPU sales to exceed $40 billion by 2030, and its foundry business is gaining traction.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
The electronics manufacturing service provider will also begin offering foundry services for its new Korean client in 3Q, improving profitability, Takeshima says in a research note.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
Reitzes pointed out that shares have rallied 18% since IBM announced Anderon, its planned quantum foundry.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
The researchers are now preparing to transfer the technology to an industrial semiconductor foundry, an important step toward bringing true monolithic 3D silicon chips into commercial production.
From Science Daily • May 30, 2026
There was no scent of foundry runoff in this water, so we drank and I topped off my water bottle.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
