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

The truck was carrying 73 bags of jewelry including pink sapphires in cushion cuts, deep-blue sapphires showing rare six-pointed stars, emeralds with sizable carat weights, and jade green pendants surrounded by diamonds. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 June 2025

Robbery: $100M in diamonds, Rolex watches, emeralds stolen in 'largest jewelry heist in US history' Nearly 3,000 game consoles were taken from the truck According to the sheriff's office, 2,810 new Nintendo Switch 2 game consoles were taken from the truck. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 19 June 2025

Adjective

The ensemble had a decorative over-the-shoulder circular top, as Stone rocked short red hair and accessorized with an emerald, diamond earring. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025

The White House is going green — dyeing the fountain on the North Lawn an emerald hue to mark St. Patrick’s Day. —Judy Kurtz, The Hill, 17 Mar. 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