amber

1 of 2

noun

am·​ber ˈam-bər 

1

: a hard yellowish to brownish translucent fossil resin that takes a fine polish and is used chiefly in making ornamental objects (such as beads)

2

: a variable color averaging a dark orange yellow

amber

2 of 2

adjective

1

: consisting of amber

2

: resembling amber

especially : having the color amber

Examples of amber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

These included decorative objects, metal weapons, as well as glass and amber items indicating the people who built the necropolis were either culturally influenced or connected to other Italian groups from that time period. —Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 18 Feb. 2025

The contraption—as much pendulum as plane—reared and dipped as its pilot, a Tyrolian biologist in an olive-drab flight suit and amber shooting glasses, tugged on the steering levers. —Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Best Full-Coverage Foundations That Actually Feel Breathable By Annie Blackman Key notes: amber wood, cyclamen, marine, white musk, driftwood | Sizes: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz Frequently Asked Questions What exactly is a skin scent? —Jenny Berg, Allure, 8 Feb. 2025

There’s nothing that transforms a space quite like a seasonal scent, and these feature a combination of apple blossom, pink freesia, blackberry, vanilla, and amber musk. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ambre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ambra, from Arabic ʽanbar ambergris

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing amber

• amber alert

Kids Definition

amber

noun

am·​ber

ˈam-bər

1

: a hard yellowish partly transparent resin from trees long dead that can be highly polished and is used for ornamental objects (as beads)

2

: a dark orange yellow

amber adjective

Medical Definition

amber

noun

am·​ber ˈam-bər 

: a hard yellowish to brownish translucent fossil resin that takes a fine polish and is used chiefly in making ornamental objects (as beads)

amber adjective