onyx

noun

on·​yx ˈä-niks How to pronounce onyx (audio)
: a translucent chalcedony in parallel layers of different colors

Examples of onyx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For accessories, Gaga opted for a gold pendant necklace with tourmaline, pearl and onyx by Tiffany & Co. from the archives that had never been worn on a red carpet before, according to the E! red carpet preshow. Hedy Phillips, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025 An adjoining primary bath is done up in deep jade green onyx. Kerry Pieri, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2025 The 18-person dining room table and the back wall of the glass wine vault are carved from Patagonia-Brazilian onyx. Ray Parisi, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025 Dating to the 2nd or 3rd century CE, the stone in the ring is carved from nicolo, a type of onyx that features a more blue surface over a black base. Francesca Aton For Artnews, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for onyx 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oniche, onyx, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin onych-, onyx, from Greek, literally, claw, nail — more at nail

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onyx was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near onyx

Cite this Entry

“Onyx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onyx. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

onyx

noun
on·​yx ˈän-iks How to pronounce onyx (audio)
: chalcedony in parallel layers of different color

More from Merriam-Webster on onyx

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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