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

Searches for blue topaz jewelry are nearly 3,000 percent. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Aug. 2025

Her gold jewelry, all from the brand Material Good, included a choker necklace with eight pear-cut stones (seven white diamonds and one imperial topaz), a tourmaline necklace with eight small diamonds and a pair of drop earrings, each with eight diamonds. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

The popular classic button-down silhouette in sheer topaz lace truly makes a statement without trying too hard. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2025

Under an oftentimes lofty ceiling, these heavenly stunners tend to be long, rectilinear stretches of topaz water and are oftentimes an element of the spa or wellness center. —Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 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