topaz

noun

to·​paz ˈtō-ˌpaz 

1

a

: a mineral that is essentially a silicate of aluminum and usually occurs in orthorhombic translucent or transparent crystals or in white translucent masses

b

: a usually yellow to brownish-yellow transparent mineral topaz used as a gem

c

: a yellow sapphire

d

: a yellow quartz

2

: either of two large brilliantly colored South American hummingbirds (Topaza pella and T. pyra)

Examples of topaz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Australian film director, Baz Luhrmann, wore a set of three platinum and diamond Harwell Godfrey brooches: Petunia Brooch, Bee Brooch, Sunflower Brooch Irish actor, Andrew Scott, wore the 18k yellow gold Harwell Godfrey Evil Eye ring with onyx, smokey topaz. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Inside the chamber was a sandstone chest containing five reliquaries (containers for holy relics), which held bones and ash alongside nearly 1,800 pearls, rubies, topazes, sapphires and other gems. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025

If dark and moody jewelry is more her thing, this pair of London Blue topaz stud earrings are subtle but make a stunning impact. —Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 7 May 2025

As ever, the resulting jewels were a celebration of Ukrainian culture, including a topaz brooch depicting a stylised bandura, a traditional string instrument by Aga.te, and gold knotted straw earcuffs, which sweep down the ear to a graceful beryl drop, by Lena Yastreb. —Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English topace, from Anglo-French, from Latin topazus, from Greek topazos

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing topaz

• fire topaz
• mystic fire topaz
• mystic topaz
• smoky topaz

Rhymes for topaz

• whereas
• as
• has
• jazz

Kids Definition

topaz

noun

to·​paz ˈtō-ˌpaz 

: a mineral in the form of usually yellow to brownish yellow crystals that is valued as a gem