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

From incised lines near the rim and on the edge of the bezel are small linear “hooks.”

From North Devon Pottery and Its Export to America in the 17th Century by Watkins, C. Malcolm