What does "jewel" mean?
A precious or semi-precious stone; gem, gemstone.
Jewel
/ˈd͡ʒuːəl/ name, noun, verb, slang
name, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A precious or semi-precious stone; gem, gemstone.
- Grammar: jewel is listed as name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: gem, acceptable person, adorn, anklet.
- Useful contrasts: baubles, burden, degrade.
- Usage evidence: The jewel was stolen during the night.
How to use "jewel"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "jewel" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "jewel" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "jewel" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "jewel" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "jewel" is acting as name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "gem" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "jewel", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A precious or semi-precious stone; gem, gemstone.
- 2 a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry wordnet
- 3 A valuable object used for personal ornamentation, especially one made of precious metals and stones; a piece of jewellery.
"Iachimo: 'Tis plate of rare device, and jewels / Of rich and exquisite form, their values great."
- 4 a person who is as brilliant and precious as a piece of jewelry wordnet
- 5 Anything precious or valuable. figuratively
"Galveston was the jewel of Texas prior to the hurricane."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 A bearing for a pivot in a watch, formed of a crystal or precious stone.
- 7 Any of various lycaenid butterflies of the genus Hypochrysops.
- 8 The clitoris. slang
"The area between her eyebrows wrinkled with the increasing circular motions her two fingers made on her jewel."
Verb
- 1 To bejewel; to decorate or bedeck with jewels or gems.
- 2 adorn or decorate with precious stones wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A female given name from English from the noun jewel, used since the end of the 19th century.
"Jewel he called her; and he would say this as he might have said ‘Jane,’ don’t you know, with a marital, homelike, peaceful effect. I heard the name for the first time ten minutes after I had landed in his courtyard, when, after nearly shaking my arm off, he darted up the steps and began to make a joyous, boyish disturbance at the door under the heavy eaves. ‘Jewel! O! Jewel. Quick! Here’s a friend come,’ …"
- 2 A male given name from English, a variant of Jewell, or from "jewel" like the female name.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The jewel was stolen during the night."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "jewel"?
Common synonyms include: gem, acceptable person, adorn, anklet, aquamarine, armlet.
How do you use "jewel" in a sentence?
The jewel was stolen during the night.
How do you pronounce "jewel"?
Pronounced /ˈd͡ʒuːəl/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English juel, jewel, juwel, jeuel, jowel, from Anglo-Norman juel, from Old French jouel, joel, joïel, hence French joyau, of uncertain origin. Perhaps based ultimately on Latin gaudium (“joy”), or on Latin iocus (“joke; jest”), or according to Pihan, from Arabic جَوْهَر (jawhar). Compare Medieval Latin jocale.
Etymology 2
From jewel.