jewel

1 of 2

noun

jew·​el ˈjü-əl  ˈjül 

also ˈju̇l

often attributive

1

: a precious stone : gem

2

: an ornament of precious metal often set with stones or decorated with enamel and worn as an accessory of dress

3

: one that is highly esteemed

regarded the library as the jewel of the campus

4

: a bearing for a pivot (as in a watch) made of crystal, glass, or a gem

jewellike

ˈjü-əl-ˌlīk 

ˈjül-

also ˈju̇l-

adjective

jewel

2 of 2

verb

jeweled or jewelled; jeweling or jewelling

transitive verb

1

: to adorn or equip with jewels

2

: to give beauty to as if with jewels : embellish

Synonyms of jewel

Noun

• gem
• rock

Examples of jewel in a Sentence

Noun

That diamond is one of world's largest jewels.

This painting is the jewel in our gallery.

The building is regarded as one of the jewels of modern architecture.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While the search for the jewels is ongoing, investigators have found no digital communications or physical evidence linking anyone beyond the four suspects to the theft. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026

Considered the jewel of the offseason Ryan Weathers trade with the Yankees, Lewis is second in the Southern League with 17 homers. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

Verb

The eggs mayo, spiked with Maggi and jeweled with trout roe, is a contender for best egg dish in town. — Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026

For the lunch and dinner menus, the focus is squarely on Mediterranean fare; the chicken shish kebab and buttery jeweled rice are solid picks for a simple supper. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English juel, from Anglo-French, diminutive of ju, jeu game, play, from Latin jocus game, joke — more at joke

Verb

derivative of jewel entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing jewel

• crown jewel
• jewel box
• jewel in the crown
• jewel tone

Rhymes for jewel

• cruel
• dual
• duel
• fuel
• gruel
• newel
• accrual
• nonfuel
• refuel
• renewal
• biofuel
• contextual

Kids Definition

jewel

1 of 2 noun

jew·​el ˈjü-əl 

ˈjül

1

: an ornament of precious metal often set with stones and worn as an accessory of dress

2

: one that is highly valued or prized

3

: a precious stone : gem

4

: a bearing in a watch made of a crystal or a precious stone

jewel

2 of 2 verb

jeweled or jewelled; jeweling or jewelling

: to adorn or equip with jewels