emerald

1 of 2

noun

em·​er·​ald ˈe-mə-rəld 

ˈem-rəld

1

: a rich green variety of beryl prized as a gemstone

2

: any of various green gemstones (such as synthetic corundum or demantoid)

emerald

2 of 2

adjective

: brightly or richly green

Did you know?

Highly valued as gemstones, emeralds are a grass-green variety of beryl. The capacity of emeralds to deflect light and to break white light into its component colors is not high, so cut stones display little brilliancy or fire (flashes of color). The color that gives this gem its value comes from the presence of small amounts of chromium. The most important production of fine-quality gem material is Colombia; emeralds are also mined in Russia, Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Synthetic emeralds are identical to natural crystals and may rival them in color and beauty.

Examples of emerald in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Get Seats to Her Final U.S. Date Sapphires, rubies, emeralds and pearls have their own appeal, but black is, well, black. —Jennifer Adams, StyleCaster, 23 Oct. 2024

Close proves to be inspired casting as the underhanded and unrepentant Cath, who shows barely any indication of maternal concern for her sons in a quest to get her hands on the emeralds. —Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Dorothy showed the little emerald stone to her lion and tin man. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Staff are dressed in emerald velvet jackets and a delicious assortment of cocktails, including the Sazerac, a cognac, rye whiskey, absinthe and bitters mixture, are available for order. —Rachel Dube, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English emerallde, from Anglo-French esmeralde, from Vulgar Latin *smaralda, from Latin smaragdus, from Greek smaragdos — more at smaragd

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1508, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing emerald

• emerald ash borer
• emerald cut
• emerald green

Kids Definition

emerald

1 of 2 noun

em·​er·​ald ˈem-(ə-)rəld 

: a rich green gem

emerald

2 of 2 adjective

: brightly or richly green