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 The brand’s calling card is basics with a twist: silver rings with chain-like forms, chains that look like nothing else on the market, forms studded with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli and turquoise. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2024 The swimsuit comes in a slew of colors, including a navy blue floral pattern, orange, and turquoise, all of which are available in sizes XS through XXL. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for turquoise 

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 4 May. 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

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