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

Picture palm trees and lush river valleys, wild chickens whose feathers are flecked with turquoise. —Ryan Knighton, AFAR Media, 12 May 2025

Its five pools, white sand beach, and even a spiraling waterslide provide plenty of opportunities to capture that perfect Caribbean turquoise in all your photos. —Johanna Read, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

As temperatures rise and meals can be enjoyed outside, opt for something shatterproof to serve on, like these melamine dining plates in a bright turquoise and aqua blue color combo. —Ali Faccenda, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

For a subtle look, opt for blue or turquoise paired with beige and white for a nod to the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025

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