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

Ganzorigt shaped Bieber's nails into her preferred medium-length almond, then applied a few coats of the onyx hue for tons of depth and reflective, almost latex-like shine. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026

Jenner wore the label’s Panthère de Cartier earrings and ring, the dazzling pieces made of 18-karat white gold, emeralds, onyx, and diamonds. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026

But to my untrained eye, their onyx-coats are frustratingly indistinguishable from the volcanic terrain. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026

In 2010, another record was broken when Simpson’s Cartier onyx and diamond panther bracelet sold at Sotheby’s for $7 million. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 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