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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Griggs and his fellow expeditioners were walking through the aftermath of the 20th century’s most prolific act of volcanism — a 60-hour frenzy that smothered much of the Pacific Northwest in onyx snow. Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 Those treasures include antique haberdashery walls, an onyx entry table, and a jewelry case reupholstered in kilim with guitar-strap trim, and plenty of personal touches like family photos, all meant to inspire your next purchase, too. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026 Look no further than her Tribeca office, known as The Atelier, which boasts off-white walls, warm wood cabinetry, honey onyx countertops, cherry-red accents, and terrazzo flooring. Kelly Allen, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026 Other traditional Hawaiian materials and high-end finishes include African mahogany cabinetry, kiawe hardwood floors, Italian porcelain, and slabs of onyx and tiger-eye stone. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Onyx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onyx. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

onyx

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

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