: 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
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The star also added some opal pieces. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 28 Apr. 2026 Back in 2023, NASA’s Curiosity rover spotted opal on Mars—a mineral tied to water and, potentially, environments that could support life. Ryan Brennan april 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026 One of them was a pair of earrings that contained precious opals. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026 Those opal cat-eye nails are feeling very bride to me! Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opal

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

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Cite this Entry

“Opal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opal. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

opal

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

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