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 phenomenon, caused by an uncharacteristically low number of tropical storms and hurricanes coupled with unseasonally light offshore winds, allowed sediment to settle closer to the ocean floor and the water to exhibit its true vibrant turquoise color. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2025

The post included photos of the actress stepping into a turquoise ocean and looking off into the sunset, as well as glimpses of Theroux, first walking down a garden pathway at dusk and then spending time in a hot tub. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

Renowned as a destination for the most discerning travelers, the Maldives—a nation of more than a thousand islands in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean—is set to welcome a new luxe getaway. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2025

While the guest rooms are fairly simple (but comfortable), the sun terrace outside the L' Ambiance restaurant, views of the turquoise River Aare, and the spa—complete with a solarium, sauna, and steam bath—make this a property worth experiencing for a night or two. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 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