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

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

All guests are welcome to lounge on the comfy day beds beside the turquoise pool, warm up in the two heated hot tubs, or take a daring dip post sauna or hammam in the icy plunge pool. —Sophie Knight, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026

Beaded detailing gave way to a drop waist, transitioning to soft turquoise plumage for a playful skirt. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026

The turquoise waters of the Caribbean are perfectly broken up by a Jackson Pollock-esque splattering of yachts, often of the mega variety. —Molly Barstein, Vogue, 1 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