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 sessions will continue in the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a private island sanctuary in the Bahamas, where guests will learn about coral restoration and marine protection, before sailing the turquoise waters with Horn to see the importance of protecting the delicate underwater ecosystems. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025

On vacation with family, Nieder was excited to get into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of the white, sandy beaches of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025

Silver bracelets of Queen Hetepheres inlaid with turquoise, lapis lazuli and carnelian in a chest covered with gold leaf. —Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025

Stimulus Coffee + Bakery Located right across from the beach parking lot, this vibrant coffee shop is decked out in coastal tones and plenty of turquoise. —Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 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