: a usually amorphous mineral that is a hydrated silica softer and less dense than quartz and typically with definite and often marked iridescent play of colors and is used especially as a gem

Examples of opal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nak Armstrong’s 20K gold Triple Ruched Ring of aquamarine, blue moonstone, blue Peruvian opal and diamonds. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The ring, in fact, is probably the biggest style statement from the bash, as many speculate the opal (the birthstone of her Libra football beau) is surrounded by blue topaz (the Sagittarius singer's birth stone). Brittany Talarico, Peoplemag, 19 Dec. 2023 Authorities also gave her a gold ring set with an opal and two diamonds that was found with her mother's remains. CBS News, 5 Dec. 2023 As previously reported, the bright iridescent colors in butterfly wings, soap bubbles, opals, or beetle shells don't come from any pigment molecules but from how they are structured—naturally occurring photonic crystals. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2023 The bling boasts several blue topaz surrounding a large opal, and is reportedly a gift from the musician’s boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, as the two gems happen to be the pair’s respective birthstones. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2023 And some materials — for example, pearls, opals or coral — are quite sensitive to chemicals and require some extra TLC. Jura Koncius, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2023 Meanwhile, the Starfish necklace is an orgy of gemstones crafted in 18k gold, including more than 42 carats of black opals as well as aquamarines, tourmalines, beryls, and diamonds. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2023 Bentley & Skinner’s A Edwardian opal and diamond cluster ring, set in a platinum mount with openwork gallery, circa 1905. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'opal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin opalus, from Greek opallios, ultimately from Sanskrit upala stone, jewel

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opal was circa 1586

Dictionary Entries Near opal

Cite this Entry

“Opal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opal. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

opal

noun
: a mineral with changeable colors that is used as a gem

More from Merriam-Webster on opal

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!