turquoise

noun

tur·​quoise ˈtər-ˌkȯiz How to pronounce turquoise (audio) -ˌkwȯiz How to pronounce turquoise (audio)
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
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.
Brunet’s laboratory has spent years developing a model for aging using African turquoise killifish. — Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026 Its decor is simple—ostensibly to not take attention away from the setting—with bubble-like overhead lighting, deep turquoise walls, earth-tone armchairs, a fieldstone fireplace, and simple wooden dining sets. — Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 The beach was packed, many vacationers lounging near the turquoise waters when the drone slammed into the white sand and burst into a fireball. — Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026 Hunza Valley is known for its striking landscapes, turquoise lakes and rich cultural heritage. — Ashley Lynch july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turquoise

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

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

Phrases Containing turquoise

Browse Nearby Words

turps
turquoise
turquoiseberry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turquoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turquoise. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

turquoise

noun
tur·​quoise ˈtər-ˌk(w)ȯiz How to pronounce turquoise (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on turquoise

Nglish: Translation of turquoise for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about turquoise

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