1 jewel | Definition of jewel

jewel

noun, often attributive
jew·​el | \ ˈjü-əl How to pronounce jewel (audio) , ˈjül also ˈju̇l\

Definition of jewel

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a precious stone : gem
2 : an ornament of precious metal often set with stones or decorated with enamel and worn as an accessory of dress
3 : one that is highly esteemed regarded the library as the jewel of the campus
4 : a bearing for a pivot (as in a watch) made of crystal, glass, or a gem

jewel

verb
jeweled or jewelled; jeweling or jewelling

Definition of jewel (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to adorn or equip with jewels
2 : to give beauty to as if with jewels : embellish

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Other Words from jewel

Noun

jewellike \ ˈjü-​əl-​ˌlÄ«k How to pronounce jewellike (audio) , ˈjül-​ also  ˈju̇l-​ \ adjective

Synonyms for jewel

Synonyms: Noun

brilliant, gem, gemstone, rock [slang]

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Examples of jewel in a Sentence

Noun

That diamond is one of world's largest jewels. This painting is the jewel in our gallery.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The San Francisco Symphony’s 108th season opening gala on Wednesday, Sept. 4, included all the dramatic jewels and dazzling fashions that have become as much a tradition at the event as the music itself. — Tony Bravo, SFChronicle.com, "Fashion from the 2019 San Francisco Symphony Gala," 4 Sep. 2019 In a dazzling opening sequence played to a rap beat, the camera flies over a jewel-like Naples by night, filled with futuristic giant murals and flickering lights. — Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Mayor of Rione Sanita' ('Il sindaco di Rione Sanita'): Film Review | Venice 2019," 30 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'jewel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of jewel

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for jewel

Noun and Verb

Middle English juel, from Anglo-French, diminutive of ju, jeu game, play, from Latin jocus game, joke — more at joke

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More Definitions for jewel

jewel

noun

English Language Learners Definition of jewel

: a valuable stone (such as a ruby or diamond) that has been cut and polished
: a piece of jewelry (such as a necklace or a bracelet) that is made of valuable metal and precious stones
: someone or something that is highly valued or admired

jewel

noun
jew·​el | \ ˈjü-əl How to pronounce jewel (audio) \

Kids Definition of jewel

2 : an ornament of precious metal often set with gemstones and worn on the body
3 : a person who is greatly admired

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More from Merriam-Webster on jewel

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with jewel

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for jewel

Spanish Central: Translation of jewel

Nglish: Translation of jewel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of jewel for Arabic Speakers

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