quartz

noun

ˈkwȯrts How to pronounce quartz (audio)
1
: a mineral consisting of silicon dioxide occurring in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals or in crystalline masses
2
: a quartz crystal that when placed in an electric field oscillates at a constant frequency and is used to control devices which require precise regulation
a quartz watch
quartzose
ˈkwȯrt-ˌsōs How to pronounce quartz (audio)
adjective

Examples of quartz 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.
That requires cutting lots of rock, and in Appalachia, that rock typically contains quartz, which is rich in silica. — Howard Berkes, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026 The company introduced the first-ever quartz movement (basically battery-powered) watch in 1969, ushering in a complete overhaul of the industry. — Frances Solá-Santiago, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 Generous storage and a quartz countertop round out the space. — New Atlas, 4 Aug. 2026 At just over 500 square feet, the condo has walls of glass, a sleek kitchen with quartz counters and a Wolf induction range, and a bedroom nook. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quartz

Word History

Etymology

German Quarz

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quartz was circa 1631

Phrases Containing quartz

Rhymes for quartz

See All Rhymes for quartz

Browse Nearby Words

quart pot
quartz
quartz battery
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quartz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quartz. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

quartz

noun
ˈkwȯ(ə)rts How to pronounce quartz (audio)
: a common mineral consisting of silicon dioxide that is often found in the form of colorless transparent crystals but is sometimes (as in amethysts, agates, and jaspers) brightly colored

Medical Definition

quartz

noun
ˈkwȯ(ə)rts How to pronounce quartz (audio)
: a mineral SiO2 consisting of a silica that occurs in colorless and transparent or colored hexagonal crystals and also in crystalline masses

More from Merriam-Webster on quartz

Nglish: Translation of quartz for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quartz

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of invidious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All