onyx

noun

on·​yx ˈä-niks 

: a translucent chalcedony in parallel layers of different colors

Examples of onyx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of her favorites to look out for include brass, marble, onyx, and alabaster, just to name a few. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 12 June 2026

Boucheron’s Serpent Bohème bracelet pairs black onyx with twisted gold and diamonds for a polished take on bohemia. —Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 24 May 2026

Elsewhere in the collection, creamy pearls peep out between layers of polished, single-piece cast silver in bangles and earrings; while luminous spheres are paired with onyx cubes in an exploration of geometry and contrasting materiality. —Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Hazelnut travertine is found throughout the apartment—even on the skirting boards—as is Taj Mahal marble and glowing Iranian onyx. —Fanny Guénon Des Mesnards, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2026

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

Rhymes for onyx

• conics
• phonics
• sonics
• tonics
• avionics
• electronics
• histrionics
• hydroponics
• nucleonics
• ultrasonics
• harmonics
• ionics

Kids Definition

onyx

noun

on·​yx ˈän-iks 

: chalcedony in parallel layers of different color