emerald

1 of 2

noun

em·​er·​ald ˈe-mə-rəld 

ˈem-rəld

1

: a rich green variety of beryl prized as a gemstone

2

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

emerald

2 of 2

adjective

: brightly or richly green

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

The prosecutor said investigators have not given up on recovering the jewels, which include diamond and pearl tiaras, emerald and sapphire necklaces, and other items from a collection of Emperor Napoleon and his wives. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 25 Nov. 2025

Outside, investigators recovered a diamond- and emerald-covered gold crown owned by Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

Adjective

Among her accessories, Moore added a touch of sparkle with silver and emerald statement earrings from Gucci’s Labirinti high jewelry collection. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

An arresting and beautiful overhead shot of a line of soldiers advancing unevenly across the emerald grass and brown dust of a field in New Jersey frames the first episode’s title. —Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English emerallde, from Anglo-French esmeralde, from Vulgar Latin *smaralda, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos — more at smaragd

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1508, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing emerald

• emerald ash borer
• emerald cut
• emerald green

Kids Definition

emerald

1 of 2 noun

em·​er·​ald ˈem-(ə-)rəld 

: a rich green gem

emerald

2 of 2 adjective

: brightly or richly green