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black diamond

American  

noun

  1. carbonado.

  2. black diamonds, coal.


black diamond British  

noun

  1. another name for carbonado 2

  2. (usually plural) a figurative expression for coal

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of black diamond

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Reitzell said some of the theories being floated as to what caused the avalanche, including the idea that the first group of skiers loosened “weak snow” during the initial runs down the black diamond G.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

After a fireside fondue lunch at the Roundhouse, Baldy’s mid-mountain eatery, I decided to test my skills on one of the “easier” black diamond runs.

From New York Times • Jan. 30, 2023

A billion-year-old black diamond thought to have come from outer space is going up for auction.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2022

Stevens also said the black diamond is likely from outer space.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 17, 2022

We tell Mickey we’re sorry for his troubles but he’s delighted with his week off and he gets the black diamond patch which will bring the money and sweets.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt