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

Meanwhile, scientists identified a previously unknown parasitic wasp from specimens trapped in amber 99 million years ago. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025

For the study, scientists examined 16 female specimens of the wasp, which had been found encased in amber in northern Myanmar. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

Adjective

Everything about this look just feels so right: the soft, curved lob paired with thick, chunky black sunglasses with amber lenses. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Mar. 2025

The amber piece was dated to the upper Cretaceous period, meaning the millipede inside was around 98 million years old, according to the study. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 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

Rhymes for amber

• camber
• clamber
• tambour

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