onyx

noun

on·​yx ˈä-niks How to pronounce onyx (audio)
: a translucent chalcedony in parallel layers of different colors

Examples of onyx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Three other pieces—a watch, a necklace, and a ring—each resemble pin cushions, albeit ones crafted from gold, diamonds, mother-of-pearl, and onyx. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024 Claudia and Katina, a designer, transformed Villa Bokeh which opened with 15 striking rooms in a color palette that roams from onyx to rose pink. Claire Boobbyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Apr. 2024 The primary bedroom, overlooking the ocean, encompasses an entry vestibule, a spacious bedroom, ample closet space, and an immaculate bathroom lined in onyx and marble. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024 Ordering them in onyx (black) would likely solve this problem. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024 The Flowers singer, who is nominated for six awards, played up her gold goddess look with swipes of bronzer and a single curl that further accentuated her onyx cat eyes and fluffy brows. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2024 Three months later, his business manager, George Ullman, put Valentino’s possessions up for public sale—not only his speedboat, his onyx pocket watch, and his black velvet riding habit but also his spats and silk underwear and a hundred and forty-six pairs of his socks. Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Another particularly interesting sale on the evening was the Cartier onyx and diamond ring gifted to Mercury by Elton John. Clare Fisher, Peoplemag, 8 Sep. 2023 The apartment has a view of the city’s skyline, with a personal gym, massage room and a bathroom clad in onyx. Adam Reiss, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'onyx.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oniche, onyx, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin onych-, onyx, from Greek, literally, claw, nail — more at nail

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onyx was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near onyx

Cite this Entry

“Onyx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onyx. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

onyx

noun
on·​yx ˈän-iks How to pronounce onyx (audio)
: chalcedony in parallel layers of different color

More from Merriam-Webster on onyx

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