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

Take your pick of 16 colors, including seasonal hues like coral and bright turquoise. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 15 June 2025

Set into rugged, textured silver, a rainbow mix of faceted and polished sapphires, tourmalines and turquoises mark the hours in the 36mm watch case. —Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

From Americana stars and stripes to turquoise, cow print, and denim patterns or lassos, cacti, and the gold SIR DAVIS emblem, Dawkins’ nail sets cater to various interpretations of a cowboy. —Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 4 June 2025

Aquamarine, cyan blue, and turquoise will be making a splash on toes, like this statement pedi by The Nail Atelier. —Mica Ricketts, Refinery29, 23 May 2025

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