: native crystalline carbon that is the hardest known mineral, that is usually nearly colorless, that when transparent and free from flaws is highly valued as a precious stone, and that is used industrially especially as an abrasive
also: a piece of this substance
b
: crystallized carbon produced artificially
2
: something that resembles a diamond (as in brilliance, value, or fine quality)
3
: a square or rhombus-shaped figure usually oriented with the long diagonal vertical
4
a
: a playing card marked with a stylized figure of a red diamond
b
diamonds plural in form but singular or plural in construction: the suit comprising cards marked with diamonds
: of, relating to, or being a 60th or 75th anniversary or its celebration
diamond jubilee
Example Sentences
Noun a necklace studded with diamonds and rubies The ruby was surrounded by a ring of diamond. The children cut the fabric into diamonds. one heart, two diamonds, and two clubs He played the queen of diamonds. Adjective the celebration of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1897 See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Engagement rumors started to swirl after Rae appeared on the cover of Essence wearing a diamond ring, but the couple never addressed the speculation. Hollee Actman Becker, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2022 Speculation that Paul — whom Adele has been dating since May 2021 — had popped the question first began in February, when Adele attended the BRIT Awards wearing an enormous diamond ring on her left ring finger. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 Aug. 2022 The sweet moment, in which Chen's diamond ring is subtly featured, was filmed at T.A. Moulton Barn in Moose, Wyoming, a few days after the proposal. Dory Jackson, PEOPLE.com, 2 Aug. 2022 Several credit cards, a diamond ring, and other valuables were also missing. Paul Best, Fox News, 29 July 2022 Eliza co-owns a jewelry shop with her sister, and accidentally posts an Instagram of herself wearing a diamond ring on you-know-which finger. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 21 July 2022 This time round, Affleck proposed with an 8.5-carat green diamond ring, flanked by sparkling white diamonds. Alice Cary, Vogue, 18 July 2022 Another standout is an 86.22-carat aquamarine and diamond ring by Alexander Laut that could realize up to $9,600. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 July 2022 Kate Stayman-London only had one piece of heirloom jewelry—a diamond cocktail ring from her grandma Rose, who died about 25 years ago. Lane Florsheim, WSJ, 8 July 2022
Verb
Instead, they were drawn to the idea that diamonds represent authenticity. Andrew E. Kramer, New York Times, 11 July 2018 The Del Paso Youth Baseball league has not used the Johnston Park diamonds in two years, according to a staff report. Anita Chabria, sacbee, 24 Apr. 2017 They are accused of burglarizing Tustin Village Jewelers, Diamonds Direct in Laguna Hills, Nick’s Jewelry and Watch Craft in Fullerton and Mimi’s Jewelry and Ballard and Ballard Jewelry in Fountain Valley.Orange County Register, 20 Jan. 2017
Adjective
Meanwhile, non-diamond engagement rings also trending in 2022, with sapphire being the second most popular gemstone after moissanite. Pema Bakshi, refinery29.com, 18 Aug. 2022 The Alpine Eagle Frozen is fully set, which means even the bracelet is completely paved with diamonds – there is no non-diamond-bracelet option. Carol Besler, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2021 Diamond experts say the gem could be the 10th-largest ever discovered and initially pegged its value at $50 million. Alpha Kamara, USA TODAY, 4 July 2017 Diamond’s facility in the county is Pump Station #1 in San Diego, where large-scale waterfalls help dilute the wastewater entering the treatment plant. Kristina Davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, 3 June 2017 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English diamaunde, from Middle French diamand, from Late Latin diamant-, diamas, alteration of Latin adamant-, adamas hardest metal, diamond, from Greek