emerald

noun

em·er·ald | \ ˈem-rəld

, ˈe-mə-\

Definition of emerald

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a rich green variety of beryl prized as a gemstone

2 : any of various green gemstones (such as synthetic corundum or demantoid)

emerald

adjective

Definition of emerald (Entry 2 of 2)

: brightly or richly green

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about emerald

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Did You Know?

Highly valued as gemstones, emeralds are a grass-green variety of beryl. The capacity of emeralds to deflect light and to break white light into its component colors is not high, so cut stones display little brilliancy or fire (flashes of color). The color that gives this gem its value comes from the presence of small amounts of chromium. The most important production of fine-quality gem material is Colombia; emeralds are also mined in Russia, Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Synthetic emeralds are identical to natural crystals and may rival them in color and beauty.

Examples of emerald in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Warm wood tones and cushy sofas covered in emerald velvet help set that curl-up-and-chill-for-a-while vibe. — Candace Braun Davison, House Beautiful, "You'll Lose Your Chic Over This Incredible Women's Club," 27 Mar. 2019 On Instagram Lopez posted a couple of of images that capture her emotional reaction as Rodriguez presented her with a gigantic emerald-cut diamond ring. — Glamour, "Jennifer Lopez Just Shared New Pictures of Alex Rodriguez’s Beach Proposal," 12 Mar. 2019 The diamond and emerald headpiece, made by the French jeweler Boucheron in 1919, is just under 100 years old. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "The History Behind Princess Eugenie’s Emerald and Diamond Wedding Day Tiara," 12 Oct. 2018 The first three-dimensional Cartier Panther was created in 1948 for his wife, the Duchess of Windsor, using a 116.74 carat emerald from the Duke’s own collection. — Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, "How the Cartier Panther Became a Jewelry Icon," 20 Mar. 2019 Iron oxides, the same compounds that create brown and red rust, are turning icebergs emerald. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Green Icebergs Could Be Secretly Feeding All Ocean Life," 7 Mar. 2019 On public display for the first time, the tiara is made of brilliant and rose cut diamonds pavé set in platinum, with six emeralds on either side. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Princess Eugenie's Wedding Dress Is Getting the Meghan Markle Treatment," 8 Feb. 2019 The Duchess saved her bling-y diamond and emerald sparklers for the evening British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) in February. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton Reportedly Have to Follow This Strict Jewelry Rule," 8 Sep. 2018 The diamond and emerald drop earrings celebrate the couple's royal wedding, and are a sweet gift to commemorate the occasion. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Princess Eugenie Wore the Queen's Brooches in Her Hair at the Evening Reception," 13 Oct. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Think: an emerald leather jacket with a rabbit fur collar and pony trim, embellished with jacquard lotus petals and abstract dragon wings. — Monica Kim, Vogue, "Penultimate Is a New American Fashion Fantasy, Written By a Chinese Immigrant," 26 Mar. 2019 For their runway looks, Christie donned an emerald velvet suit, while Sailor wore a navy velvet dress complete with sparkling sleeves and knee-high boots. — Lauren Alexis Fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Christie Brinkley and Daughter Sailor Walk the Runway Together," 7 Feb. 2019 The model recently swiped on a high impact, lime-green matte shadow to match her emerald statement earrings. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "7 Easy and Festive Makeup Ideas To Amp Up Any Holiday Party," 22 Dec. 2018 Sarah Ferguson turned heads at her daughter Princess Eugenie's wedding last month in an all-emerald ensemble, but there was a hidden sentimental meaning behind her monochrome mother-of-the-bride look. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Sarah Ferguson's Green Royal Wedding Dress Was a Subtle Tribute to Her Wedding to Prince Andrew," 12 Nov. 2018 From our first glance at the bride's stunning dress by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos to her historic emerald tiara, the royal family did not disappoint with the second royal wedding of the year. — Maggie Maloney, Town & Country, "The Cute Moment Between Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth You Might Have Missed During Eugenie's Wedding," 13 Oct. 2018 Both wore outfits with emerald accents to match Eugenie's emerald tiara, which also matched her earrings and her mom's outfit, coincidentally, Pippa Middleton's outfit. — The Editors, Marie Claire, "A Page Boy at Princess Eugenie's Wedding Recovered Like a Champ After Tripping Up," 12 Oct. 2018 Add butter and process to smooth and emerald-green. — Gabrielle Hamilton, House Beautiful, "The Only Cheeseburger Recipe You'll Ever Need," 7 June 2012 The mission led them to stones from Colombia, historically the world's emerald leader, but newer specimens from Zambia also met their strict standards. — Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, "Van Cleef & Arpels Reveals the 46-Piece Emeraude en Majesteé Collection," 1 Nov. 2016

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