jewel

1 of 2

noun

jew·​el ˈjü-əl  ˈjül 

 also  ˈju̇l

often attributive

1

: a precious stone : gem

2

: an ornament of precious metal often set with stones or decorated with enamel and worn as an accessory of dress

3

: one that is highly esteemed

regarded the library as the jewel of the campus

4

: a bearing for a pivot (as in a watch) made of crystal, glass, or a gem

jewellike

ˈjü-əl-ˌlīk 

ˈjül-

 also  ˈju̇l-

adjective

jewel

2 of 2

verb

jeweled or jewelled; jeweling or jewelling

transitive verb

1

: to adorn or equip with jewels

2

: to give beauty to as if with jewels : embellish

Synonyms

Noun

• brilliant
• gem
• gemstone
• rock [slang]

Examples of jewel in a Sentence

Noun

That diamond is one of world's largest jewels.

This painting is the jewel in our gallery.

The building is regarded as one of the jewels of modern architecture.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There are other vinyl woes: The crown jewel of their merch booth tonight is the first-ever vinyl variant of the band’s 1991 demos, which have never been officially released either physically or digitally. —Eli Enis, SPIN, 25 Apr. 2024

Her Encino home was burglarized in late 2017, with over $1 million in jewels and designer purses stolen. —Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English juel, from Anglo-French, diminutive of ju, jeu game, play, from Latin jocus game, joke — more at joke

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing jewel

• crown jewel
• jewel box
• jewel in the crown
• jewel tone

Kids Definition

jewel

1 of 2 noun

jew·​el ˈjü-əl 

ˈjül

1

: an ornament of precious metal often set with stones and worn as an accessory of dress

2

: one that is highly valued or prized

3

: a precious stone : gem

4

: a bearing in a watch made of a crystal or a precious stone

jewel

2 of 2 verb

jeweled or jewelled; jeweling or jewelling

: to adorn or equip with jewels