turquoise

noun

tur·​quoise ˈtər-ˌkȯiz How to pronounce turquoise (audio)
-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 If olivewood isn’t your preferred wood, this style opener comes in other wood options and stone options like turquoise. Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2024 By the 1880s, turquoise began to appear in the jewelry, setting the template for the style. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2024 After being given the chance to handle the historic materials and tools—from raw turquoise to ingot rods, decorative stamps to stone molds—clients have the chance to view Chipeta’s treasures. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2024 Belts that consisted of metals and turquoise were also a part of the collection. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Jan. 2024 Giallo siena marble flooring anchors the communal areas of the main deck, while the color turquoise is used here as well to accent the furniture and curtains. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 15 Dec. 2023 There’s also another feature in development that identifies when Drive Pilot is active, with unique turquoise exterior lighting. Mark Takahashi, Ars Technica, 27 Sep. 2023 The blanket is available in seven colors, including blue, green, purple, and turquoise. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 9 July 2023 Turquoise Yachts Jewels was designed to live up to its name: a 174-foot vessel with a bright turquoise exterior and an interior embellished like a jewelry box. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 15 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'turquoise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of turquoise was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near turquoise

Cite this Entry

“Turquoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turquoise. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

turquoise

noun
tur·​quoise ˈtər-ˌk(w)ȯiz How to pronounce turquoise (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on turquoise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!