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

Swaying palms, turquoise waters and historic conch cottages have long defined the allure of Key West. — Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Aerial video of the blaze showed smoke billowing from numerous beachside buildings, with large gray plumes of smoke casting dark shadows on the beach's turquoise waters. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026

The Black Widow star styled the ensemble with gold hoop earrings and layered chokers that featured gold-and-turquoise detailing. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 26 June 2026

The soaring, craggy peaks of the Tetons reflected in mirror-like turquoise lakes are among the most iconic scenes in the American West. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2026

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