onyx

noun

on·​yx ˈä-niks How to pronounce onyx (audio)
: a translucent chalcedony in parallel layers of different colors

Examples of onyx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Belly up to the Turkish silver onyx bar, slide into a Yves Klein blue chair and pick from the five martinis on the menu, which range from the Grey Goose and Botanist Gin Skyfall to the Parmesan Espresso Martini. Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025 Designed with an onyx ornament at the closure, the black clutch featured a crystal-inset frame. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 The day heads on each level have been upgraded with large onyx basins and statement mirrors. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025 What are the best uses for onyx? Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for onyx

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oniche, onyx, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin onych-, onyx, from Greek, literally, claw, nail — more at nail

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onyx was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Onyx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onyx. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

onyx

noun
on·​yx ˈän-iks How to pronounce onyx (audio)
: chalcedony in parallel layers of different color

More from Merriam-Webster on onyx

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