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

Interior Designers Predict the Pattern's Longevity 19 of 25 Blue Living Room with Jewel Tones A mix of shades ranging from vibrant jewel tones to light pinks and turquoise create a space that’s anything but boring. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2024

Once upon a time, the mines in Los Cerrillos were rich in gold, silver, lead, zinc, and turquoise. —Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 May 2023

Heavy rains began pelting Puerto Rico, and strong winds churned the ocean into a milky turquoise as people rushed to finish securing homes and businesses. —DÁnica Coto The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 14 Aug. 2024

Heavy rains began pelting Puerto Rico on Tuesday, and strong winds churned the ocean into a milky turquoise as people rushed to finish securing homes and businesses. —Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2024

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