1
: a transparent blue, blue-green, or green variety of beryl used as a gem
2
: a pale blue to light greenish blue

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Aquamarine Has Latin Roots

Aqua marina * is Latin for "seawater", so when a lovely blue-green form of the semiprecious gem known as beryl was given an English name several centuries ago, *aquamarine seemed appropriate. Aquamarine is the ideal color that most of us carry around in our heads when we imagine the waters that lap the shores of the Greek and Caribbean islands on a sunny day. But even the Mediterranean and the Caribbean can take on lots of other colors depending on weather conditions.

Examples of aquamarine in a Sentence

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.
The water can turn from clear aquamarine to a milky green, said Abrams. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026 The aquamarine is from a famed Brazilian mine and was given to her by one of her best friends, Lúcia Flecha de Lima. Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026 The Suits actress also paid tribute to Princess Diana, wearing an aquamarine ring that once belonged to her. Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026 Those who don’t shy away from more adventurous colors can indulge in vibrant options like aquamarine and amber, though purists have their pick as well with options like crystal and glossy black. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for aquamarine

Word History

Etymology

New Latin aqua marina, from Latin, sea water

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aquamarine was in 1677

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Cite this Entry

“Aquamarine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aquamarine. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

aquamarine

noun
1
: a transparent beryl that is blue, blue-green, or green
2
: a pale blue to light greenish blue

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