amber

noun am·ber \ ˈam-bər \

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

Definition of amber

1 : a hard yellowish to brownish translucent fossil resin that takes a fine polish and is used chiefly in making ornamental objects (such as beads)

2 : a variable color averaging a dark orange yellow

See amber defined for English-language learners

See amber defined for kids

Recent Examples of amber from the Web

No festival look is complete, of course, without the perfect manicure—this year, nails that arrive in lacquered shades of amber and rose quartz channel the energetic potential of crystals.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "Here's What to Pack in Your Coachella Beauty Kit," 9 Apr. 2018
These shows return with casts largely intact, and conceit and ideology trapped in amber, too.

— jon caramanica, New York Times, "On ‘Jersey Shore Family Vacation’ and ‘Trading Spaces,’ Reality TV Eats Itself," 4 Apr. 2018
Continue to cook, swirling pan occasionally, until syrup is golden amber, 4–6 minutes.

— andy baraghani, Bon Appetit, "Chicken Soup with Caramelized Ginger," 26 Mar. 2018
Cook without stirring until the sugar is a dark amber color.

— jessica battilana, San Francisco Chronicle, "Repertoire: Oeufs a la Neige, with guidance from State Bird’s Nicole Krasinski," 22 Mar. 2018
Among Friday’s half-dozen offerings was an amber ale called Amberlance, an IPA dubbed Pew Pew, and Weerder, which Japs described as having a cider or almost fruit soda taste.

— don stacom, Courant Community, "Five Churches Brewing Joins Drive To Make New Britain A Craft Beer Hub," 30 Mar. 2018
Cook syrup over medium-high heat, swirling pan occasionally, until a medium amber caramel forms, about 5 minutes.

— amy dewall dadmun, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Light lamb stew tides us over until spring," 15 Mar. 2018
Gomes’s search for the ideal amber glow is part of a larger quest for a more optimal existence.

— libby copeland, Curbed, "Home smart home," 14 Mar. 2018
The losing faction resorts to blame and recrimination, while the winners embalm their victory in flawless amber.

— alexander nazaryan, Newsweek, "Steve Bannon’s Plan To Make America Great Again—With or Without Trump," 28 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amber.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of amber

Middle English ambre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ambra, from Arabic ʽanbar ambergris

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

amber

adjective

Definition of amber

1 : consisting of amber

2 : resembling amber; especially : having the color amber

Recent Examples of amber from the Web

Most types of pale ale, which can include American amber ale, American pale ale, blonde ale and English pale ale, are malty, medium-bodied and easy to drink.

— mahita gajanan, Time, "How to Talk About Beer Like a Pro on National Beer Day," 7 Apr. 2018
But also consider a red or amber ale or, for ultimate decadence, a coffee beer.

— kathy flanigan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Green-beer-free-zone: Pairing Irish whiskey and a pint of local brew for St. Patrick's Day," 28 Feb. 2018
The four basic brews of IntelligentX—golden, amber, pale and black—have already been through dozens of iterations.

— david arky, Smithsonian, "How Do You Make Beer in Space?," 20 Mar. 2018
The brewery’s core lineup features the Bat Outta Helles, Freetail Original (amber ale), Rye Wit and Soul Doubt IPA.

— San Antonio Express-News, "Best: Freetail Brewing Co.," 8 Mar. 2018
When finished on Tuesday (Feb 27), the sculpture will include amber-colored lighting that will make the figures glow.

— doug maccash, NOLA.com, "New 30 foot, $400,000 hospital sculpture rises on Canal Street," 27 Feb. 2018
An amber center light means that the camera is running low on battery or storage.

— lisa eadicicco, Time, "Review: Google's Tiny New Camera Uses AI to Become Your Personal Photographer," 27 Feb. 2018
Brooklyn Brewery, best known for its amber lager, is among the largest craft beer exporters — roughly half of its revenues now come from exports.

— jason margolis, USA TODAY, "Europeans are embracing American craft beer. So, why are exports trailing off?," 16 Feb. 2018
Abigail Silin/Free Press Want to sample an amber ale from Belgium?

— forrest sellers, Cincinnati.com, "International beer on tap at Delhi Township tasting event," 31 Jan. 2018

First Known Use of amber

15th century

AMBER Defined for English Language Learners

amber

noun

Definition of amber for English Language Learners

: a hard orange-yellow substance that can be polished and used for jewelry and other decorations
: a dark orange-yellow color

AMBER Defined for Kids

amber

noun am·ber \ ˈam-bər \

Definition of amber for Students

1 : a hard yellowish to brownish clear substance that is a fossil resin from trees long dead and that can be polished and used in making ornamental objects (as beads)

2 : a dark orange yellow : the color of honey