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

Noun

• gem
• rock [slang]

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

Nearly every jewel is worn by Mia Goth, who plays Victor Frankenstein's love interest, Elizabeth Lavenza. —Melody Chiu, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

Ten are historic jewels; six are archival silver objects; six are contemporary creations, and five are original jewels designed specifically for the production. —Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025

Verb

Jewel Tones Callie Windle, the founder of Callie Windle Interiors in Dallas, Texas, is averse to jewel toned bedding. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2025

Along with her technical skills, Tupper’s multi-cultural experience, gift for ergonomic yet kinetic designs and sheer imagination make Cultus Artem jewels one of the more intriguing debuts during Paris Fashion Week. —Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

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

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