gem

American  

[jem] / dʒɛm /

noun

1. a cut and polished precious stone or pearl fine enough for use in jewelry.

2. something likened to or prized as such a stone because of its beauty or worth.

   His painting was the gem of the collection.

   Synonyms:

   pearl, jewel, prize, treasure

3. a person held in great esteem or affection.

4. muffin.

5. British Printing. a 4-point type of a size between brilliant and diamond.

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verb (used with object)

gemmed, gemming

1. to adorn with or as with gems; begem.

adjective

1. Jewelry. noting perfection or very high quality.

   gem color; a gem ruby.

gem British  

/ dʒɛm /

noun

1. a precious or semiprecious stone used in jewellery as a decoration; jewel

2. a person or thing held to be a perfect example; treasure

3. a size of printer's type, approximately equal to 4 point

4. a type of small sweet cake

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verb

1. (tr) to set or ornament with gems

Other Word Forms

• gemless adjective
• gemlike adjective
• gemmy adjective

Etymology

Origin of gem

1275–1325; Middle English gemme < Old French < Latin gemma bud, jewel; replacing Middle English yimme, Old English gim ( m ) < Latin

Example Sentences

The artistic director was also thrilled to find an ultra-rare gem in Zadek’s piece: a truly original story.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

"We're actually quite a hidden gem," said Dempsey.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

But the real gem of Pascagoula is its namesake river.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

Le Particulier Miami – This newly opened Mid-Beach gem embraces Art Deco whimsy with pastel pinks and purples, brass accents and flamingo-covered wallpaper.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

“So long as he wears the gem he is bound to me, blood and soul,” the red priestess said.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• hardware
• jewel
• jewelry
• masterpiece
• ornament
• stone