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.
The queen donned a turquoise chiffon dress for the event and was photographed holding a cream hat. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 8 July 2026 This guest lets her turquoise skort take centerstage by pairing it with a heather gray tank and black flip-flops. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 4 July 2026 The water is more khaki than turquoise, and swimmers might come across the odd bit of floating debris, and the smell leaves something to be desired. — Camille Knight, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 Beyond the postcard-perfect beaches and turquoise water, the region offers a remarkable range of hotels, each one with a distinct sense of place. — Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 7 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 9 Jul. 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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