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

In the image, the couple was captured embracing, as Wallace held up her hand to show off her emerald and diamond engagement ring. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Aran doesn’t recommend this method for emeralds, opals, or any semi-precious stones. —Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 27 Mar. 2025

Adjective

The water was an emerald, green-blue color that created sinister shadows lurking underneath. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 Nov. 2024

On the ground floor is a cocktail lounge with burgundy leather booths and an emerald marble bar, and on the second, a 50-seat dining room with velvet banquettes and dim lighting. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025

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