amber

noun

am·ber | \ˈam-bər

Definition of amber

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

amber

adjective

Definition of amber (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : consisting of amber

2 : resembling amber especially : having the color amber

Examples of amber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Think bright, bluish light in the morning that gradually grows more amber at dusk and ultimately gets as dark as is possible to get in a medical environment. — Stacey Burling, Philly.com, "The era of circadian lighting in health care is dawning," 27 June 2018 In the real world, paleontologists have found huge numbers of insects and other invertebrates in amber, including blood-sucking ticks from the Cretaceous period. — National Geographic, "Could Humans and Dinosaurs Coexist? Here's the Science.," 22 June 2018 Lagering, the process of fermenting slowly at cool temperatures, keeps the beers dry and free of the fruity undertones of malty ales such as ambers and Belgians. — William Bostwick, WSJ, "This Summer’s Must-Have Beers for the Poolside Cooler," 16 May 2018 Malachite is warm and woodsy, blending amber and frankincense, while (our personal favorite) Amethyst, marries the perfect balance of fresh blackberry and lilac. — Melanie Rud Chadwick, Allure, "Kendra Scott Is Launching a Gorgeous Gemstone-Inspired Candle Collection," 28 Mar. 2018 Facing west, the admirers watched as the bright yellow sun, with its orange corona and outlying circles of ambers and blues, dipped beneath the horizon, turning the placid water that mirrored the heavenly body, to darkness. — Donna Vickroy, Daily Southtown, "People gather at waterfronts to watch the sun set on the Southland," 11 July 2018 The notes include watermelon, bergamot, juicy pineapple, apple blossom, peony petals, fresh jasmine, cedarwood, sunkissed amber, and musk. — Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kim Kardashian Is Dropping Three New Perfumes Inspired By Her Kimojis," 9 July 2018 Signal lamps on the rear of a vehicle must display only red light, amber light or any shade of color between red and amber. — Arika Herron, Indianapolis Star, "Gas tax hike, sex ed and eyeball tattooing: here are the new laws taking effect July 1," 29 June 2018 Allowing neighborhood watch groups to use vehicles with flashing amber lights. — Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press, "Legislature approves Rick Snyder's 'Marshall Plan' before summer break," 12 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

While the Maffini and the Picariello were both classic examples of modern white wines — clear, bright and clean — the Gaia was something else entirely: hazy and amber colored. — Eric Asimov, New York Times, "From Campania’s Volcanic Soils, Whites in Multiple Colors," 31 May 2018 Reduce heat to medium-low; continue cooking, stirring every 20 minutes, until onions are amber-colored and completely caramelized, just over 1 hour. — Alysha Witwicki, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Nothing says royal wedding like a tea party; time to start planning," 3 May 2018 In Simons's version, the clouds have rolled in over the amber waves of grain. — Robin Givhan, Houston Chronicle, "Nothing else Melania Trump wears will ever matter again," 13 July 2018 Just outside of town near Ele’ele’s Port Allen Harbor is Glass Beach, covered in millions of bits of colorful sea glass in shades of blue, amber and aqua. — Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian, "The 20 Best Small Towns To Visit in 2018," 5 June 2018 Irish Pubs brings you roast chicken layered with duck confit (fancy, no?), roast turkey, stuffing and amber beer gravy, deep-fried and drizzled (for a Wisconsin touch) with cranberry reduction. — Nancy Stohs, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Summerfest's new menu items include bacon cannoli, tater tot poutine and 'walking nachos'," 17 May 2018 Signal lamps on the rear of a vehicle must display only red light, amber light or any shade of color between red and amber. — Arika Herron, Indianapolis Star, "Gas tax hike, sex ed and eyeball tattooing: here are the new laws taking effect July 1," 29 June 2018 Local Option Bierwerker, also from Chicago, sells brews such as oak-aged coffee amber ale at its store. — Sheryl Devore, Lake County News-Sun, "VIP ticket added to Lake Villa craft beer festival at historic mansion," 13 June 2018 When the sugar starts to melt around the edges and turns amber (about 2 minutes), stir gently and add another 2 tablespoons sugar to the pan. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "S'mores Ice Cream Pie," 9 May 2016

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.

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Last Updated

18 Oct 2018

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The first known use of amber was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for amber

amber

noun

English Language Learners Definition of amber

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

: a dark orange-yellow color

See the full definition for amber in the English Language Learners Dictionary

amber

noun

am·ber | \ˈam-bər

Kids Definition of amber

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