gemstone

noun

gem·​stone ˈjem-ˌstōn How to pronounce gemstone (audio)
: a mineral or petrified material that when cut and polished can be used in jewelry

Examples of gemstone in a Sentence

traditionally, the gemstone for someone born in May is an emerald
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.
Marinello said the thieves will likely break up the pieces, melt down any valuable metal and recut valuable gemstones, thus hiding evidence of the crime. Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 The challenge, of course, was to recreate that ethereal spirit—the texture, sculptural form, subtle color tones—in wearable metal and gemstones. Jill Newman, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2025 One half faceted and one fully faceted gemstone. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 The event is sponsored by the Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society and features 30 dealers with minerals, gemstones, jewelry, fossils and unusual gifts. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gemstone

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gemstone was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Gemstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gemstone. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

gemstone

noun
gem·​stone ˈjem-ˌstōn How to pronounce gemstone (audio)
: a mineral that when cut and polished can be used in jewelry

More from Merriam-Webster on gemstone

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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