onyx

noun

on·​yx ˈä-niks 

: a translucent chalcedony in parallel layers of different colors

Examples of onyx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Upstairs, Polish artist and designer Zofia Sobolewska Ursic is slicing white onyx into ribbons alongside the workshop’s master technicians. —Sarah Medford, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2026

Middleton accessorized her festive look with matching green pumps, a stylish fascinator secured atop her low chignon, and gold and green onyx Monica Vinader earrings. —Instyle Editors, InStyle, 6 Apr. 2026

Zendaya opted to wear the silk architectural column gown (featuring a plunging neckline of onyx stones) that Blanchett, 56, most recently wore to the Venice Film Festival in 2025 for the premiere of La Grazia. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026

Abask, $680 Named after the Greek word for claw, onyx has always held a certain ferocity. —Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for onyx

• conics
• phonics
• sonics
• tonics
• avionics
• electronics
• histrionics
• hydroponics
• nucleonics
• ultrasonics
• harmonics
• ionics

Kids Definition

onyx

noun

on·​yx ˈän-iks 

: chalcedony in parallel layers of different color