turquoise

noun

tur·​quoise ˈtər-ˌkȯiz  -ˌkwȯiz 

variants or less commonly turquois

1

: a mineral that is a blue, bluish-green, or greenish-gray hydrous basic phosphate of copper and aluminum, takes a high polish, and is valued as a gem when sky blue

2

: a light greenish blue

Examples of turquoise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As temperatures rise and meals can be enjoyed outside, opt for something shatterproof to serve on, like these melamine dining plates in a bright turquoise and aqua blue color combo. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

For a subtle look, opt for blue or turquoise paired with beige and white for a nod to the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025

Its tongue is engraved in coral and its eyes—in turquoise, accentuated with Japanese lacquer. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Retailing for $1 million, the timepiece features a turquoise rotating Earth wrapped in a rose gold dragon. —Mikelle Street, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turkeys, from Anglo-French turkeise, from feminine of turkeis Turkish, from Turc Turk

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing turquoise

• turquoise blue
• turquoise green

Kids Definition

turquoise

noun

tur·​quoise ˈtər-ˌk(w)ȯiz 

1

: a blue, bluish green, or greenish gray mineral that contains copper and aluminum, takes a high polish, and is used in jewelry

2

: a light greenish blue

Etymology

Middle English turkeys "turquoise," from early French turkeise (same meaning), derived from turkeis, literally "Turkish (stone)"; so called because it was first brought to Europe from a part of Turkey