First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1jewel
noun, jew·el often attributive \ˈjü-əl, ˈjül also ˈju̇l\
: 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
Full Definition of JEWEL
1
: an ornament of precious metal often set with stones or decorated with enamel and worn as an accessory of dress
2
: one that is highly esteemed <regarded the library as the jewel of the campus>
3
: a precious stone : gem
4
: a bearing for a pivot (as in a watch) made of crystal, glass, or a gem
— jew·el·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
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Origin of JEWEL
Middle English juel, from Anglo-French, diminutive of ju, jeu game, play, from Latin jocus game, joke — more at joke
2jewel
verb
jeweled or jewelledjewel·ing or jewel·ling
Definition of JEWEL
transitive verb
1
: to adorn or equip with jewels
2
: to give beauty to as if with jewels : embellish
First Known Use of JEWEL
1601
JEWEL Defined for Kids
jewel
noun jew·el \ˈjü-əl\
Definition of JEWEL for Kids
1
: gem 1
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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