bezel

American  

[bez-uhl] / ˈbɛz əl /

noun

1. the diagonal face at the end of the blade of a chisel, or the like, leading to the edge.

2. Jewelry.

   1. that part of a ring, bracelet, etc., to which gems are attached.

   2. crown.

3. a grooved ring or rim holding a gem, watch crystal, etc., in its setting.

4. Automotive. the part of a vehicle's bodywork that surrounds a light.

5. the plastic or metal rim framing and protecting the screen on a phone, tablet, or other device.

   Phones without visible bezels have a clean, minimalistic look, but when you’re always holding your phone by its screen, it smudges up pretty fast.

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bezel British  

/ ˈbɛzəl /

noun

1. the sloping face adjacent to the working edge of a cutting tool

2. the upper oblique faces of a cut gem

3. a grooved ring or part holding a gem, watch crystal, etc

4. a retaining outer rim used in vehicle instruments, e.g. in tachometers and speedometers

5. a small indicator light used in vehicle instrument panels

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Etymology

Origin of bezel

First recorded in 1605–15; origin obscure; probably akin to French biseau bevel, chamfer

Explanation

A bezel is that slanted edge on the tip of a chisel. Angled edges on cut gems like diamonds are also bezels. The grooved ring that holds the crystal of your watch in place is called a bezel, too. Bezels can also hold gems in place. If you've got a ring with a stone in it, the stone is likely held by prongs or by a solid rim — a bezel — that runs around the entire edge of the stone. If a prong gets worn down or bent, the stone can slip out, so a bezel setting might be a better choice for you if you’re catching lots of fly balls or kneading dough with your ring hand.

Example Sentences

For example, one specific model of a brand-new Rolex GMT-Master II known as the Pepsi, which features a red and blue bezel, costs $12,150 including average sales tax in stores.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Pair the glossy burgundy bezel ring with a brushed bronze mesh bracelet or black rubber band.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2025

The ring has a rectangular bezel which is decorated with a central raised panel design with two cross saltires formed from two inside lines and a transverse line forming an open V shape.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2023

Made with a distressed steel case, a 18-karat white gold bezel and nubuck alligator strap, this exquisite watch invites you to marvel at the intricacy of seconds without distraction.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2023

One little statuette of Horus has a red face and a blue body; a ring bezel bears the name of a king in violet upon a ground of light blue.

From Manual of Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to the Study of Antiquities in Egypt by Maspero, G. (Gaston)