Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

emery

noun, often attributive
em·ery | \ˈem-rē, ˈe-mə-\
plural emeries

Definition of emery 

: a dark granular mineral that consists of corundum with iron oxide impurities (such as magnetite) and is used as an abrasive also : a hard abrasive powder

Examples of emery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Smaller pockets to hold chalk for the box call and emery paper for the pot and striker calls is also a plus. — Frank Sargeant, AL.com, "Vested Interest: Turkey vests are the Swiss Army knife of hunting," 8 Apr. 2018 Once the polish is gone, wash your hands, dry them thoroughly, and use an emery board or nail file to shape your nails. — Seventeen, "what do your nails say about you?," 22 Apr. 2008

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

First Known Use of emery

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for emery

Middle English, from Anglo-French esmeril, from Old Italian smiriglio, from Medieval Latin smiriglum, from Greek smyrid-, smyris

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about emery

Dictionary Entries near emery

emersed

emersion

Emerson

emery

emery ball

emery board

emery cake

Statistics for emery

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for emery

The first known use of emery was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for emery

emery

noun
em·ery | \ˈe-mə-rē, ˈem-rē\
plural emeries

Kids Definition of emery

: a mineral used as a powder for polishing and grinding

emery

noun, often attributive
em·ery | \ˈem-(ə-)rē \
plural emeries

Medical Definition of emery 

: a dark granular mineral that consists essentially of corundum and is used for grinding and polishing also : a hard abrasive powder

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on emery

See words that rhyme with emery

Spanish Central: Translation of emery

Nglish: Translation of emery for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emery

Comments on emery

What made you want to look up emery? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

linchpin

one that holds something together

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

TRENDING NOW

  1. rogue Trump speculates on Saudi journalist's fate

  2. nepotism Trump muses about Ivanka UN appointment

  3. cloture McConnell motions for Kavanaugh vote

  4. quorum Kavanaugh advances to Senate floor

  5. sequela Ford testifies in front of Senate

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games