turquoise

noun

tur·​quoise ˈtər-ˌkȯiz  -ˌkwȯiz 

variants or less commonly turquois

1

: a mineral that is a blue, bluish-green, or greenish-gray hydrous basic phosphate of copper and aluminum, takes a high polish, and is valued as a gem when sky blue

2

: a light greenish blue

Examples of turquoise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Influenced by the vibrant teals, turquoises, and aquamarines found along the Mediterranean coast, the glossy blue-green shade brings seaside vibes to any kitchen—just in time for the warmer spring and summer seasons. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026

They were heavily advertised in magazines around that time and to me, nothing was cooler than going from my regular old blue eyes to violet or turquoise or emerald green. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 16 Mar. 2026

Taking a page from the early 2000s red carpet style book, Pidgeon went braless in a turquoise mididress from Chanel's pre-fall 2026 collection. —Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

Our most memorable swims, though, are off boats anchored in the deep turquoise waters. —Kristina Kasparian, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English turkeys, from Anglo-French turkeise, from feminine of turkeis Turkish, from Turc Turk

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing turquoise

• turquoise blue
• turquoise green

Kids Definition

turquoise

noun

tur·​quoise ˈtər-ˌk(w)ȯiz 

1

: a blue, bluish green, or greenish gray mineral that contains copper and aluminum, takes a high polish, and is used in jewelry

2

: a light greenish blue

Etymology

Middle English turkeys "turquoise," from early French turkeise (same meaning), derived from turkeis, literally "Turkish (stone)"; so called because it was first brought to Europe from a part of Turkey