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

The arch was formed by centuries of harsh wind and high seas grinding away at the Calcarenite stone cliffs of Italy’s Puglia region, on the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. —Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026

Wemlinger encourages leaning into bold pairings such as turquoise and yellow, orange and blue, or pink and black. —Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Feb. 2026

This mountain lake sits 5,000 feet above sea level and is fed by glacial streams, giving it an iconic smooth surface and turquoise color. —Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026

However, the Think Like a Man actress’s version had a few key differences, thanks to a midriff-baring stomach cutout, as well as an orange tiger print top and a tan cheetah print skirt in contrast toKaavia’s bright blue tiger print bodice and light turquoise cheetah print skirt. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 7 Feb. 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