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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The serene guest bath, meanwhile, sports a walk-in shower and a light-pink onyx marble wall and sink. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025 At the center of the collection, onyx was mixed with white and titanium travertine, revealing raw, sculptural lines. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025 Around her neck, a rope of heavy onyx beads provided practical ornamentation. Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2025 Ghiya uses stones like pink and purple sapphire, onyx, citrine, and tourmaline to create wearable confections. Gayatri Shah, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 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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