emerald

1 of 2

noun

em·​er·​ald ˈe-mə-rəld 

ˈem-rəld

1

: a rich green variety of beryl prized as a gemstone

2

: any of various green gemstones (such as synthetic corundum or demantoid)

emerald

2 of 2

adjective

: brightly or richly green

Did you know?

Highly valued as gemstones, emeralds are a grass-green variety of beryl. The capacity of emeralds to deflect light and to break white light into its component colors is not high, so cut stones display little brilliancy or fire (flashes of color). The color that gives this gem its value comes from the presence of small amounts of chromium. The most important production of fine-quality gem material is Colombia; emeralds are also mined in Russia, Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Synthetic emeralds are identical to natural crystals and may rival them in color and beauty.

Examples of emerald in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The ceremonies are held at Nihi’s Nihioka sanctuary, an hour’s ride from the hotel through wide open rice fields and thick jungle, where emerald hills cascade down towards the sea and the sound of waves carries faintly across the valley. — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026

And gemstones make a worthy jewelry investment (an emerald ring is an emerald ring, after all), but if the stars have anything to say about it, your zodiac’s signature stone is the one worth wearing. — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Its palatial villas are decked out in pops of pastel, emerald marble showers, rose gold finishes and artful details that make this lavish outpost a cut above the rest. — Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 2026

With its emerald-green waters, sugar-white sands, and protected dunes, Grayton Beach State Park is one of the Florida Panhandle's standout coastal escapes—and one that's easy to mistake for the Caribbean. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English emerallde, from Anglo-French esmeralde, from Vulgar Latin *smaralda, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos — more at smaragd

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1508, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing emerald

• emerald ash borer
• emerald cut
• emerald green

Kids Definition

emerald

1 of 2 noun

em·​er·​ald ˈem-(ə-)rəld 

: a rich green gem

emerald

2 of 2 adjective

: brightly or richly green