cabochon

American  

[kab-uh-shon, ka-baw-shawn] / ˈkæb əˌʃɒn, ka bɔˈʃɔ̃ /

noun

• cabochons
  plural

1. a precious stone of convex hemispherical or oval form, polished but not cut into facets.

2. an ornamental motif resembling this, either concave or convex and often surrounded by ornately carved leaf patterns, used on furniture of the 18th century.

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adverb

1. in the form of a cabochon.

   a turquoise cut cabochon.

adjective

1. being cut cabochon.

   cabochon gems.

cabochon British  

/ ˈkæbəˌʃɒn, kabɔʃɔ̃ /

noun

1. a smooth domed gem, polished but unfaceted

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cabochons
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of cabochon

1570–80; < Middle French, equivalent to caboche head ( see cabbage ¹) + -on diminutive suffix

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cabochon cabochons

The gold ring, which has a central hexagonal cabochon sapphire with two emeralds and two garnets, was uncovered by detectorist Mark Sell, 63, in King Row, Shipdham, in 2019.

From BBC ● Mar. 11, 2025

Weirdly I didn't have amazing courses in math, I had to have outside tutoring for the SATs and all of it, but I've known what a cabochon is since I was about 14.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2015

Ms. Amfitheatrof asked as Mr. Everett extracted from a display case a gumball-size, 34-carat cabochon ruby set at the center of a simple bracelet of platinum and diamonds.

From New York Times ● Nov. 19, 2014

The brooch is engraved with the initials "J.P.M.S." and has four turquoise forget-me-knots with a central red cabochon garnet heart.

From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2011

Valerian is in deep red, cabochon rubies sparkling on his cuffs, each like a drop of frozen blood.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

But it has some interesting decorations that include gilt bows and swags with three agate cabochons embedded in the base, topped with an amethyst.

From Forbes ● Apr. 20, 2015

In olive-drab green, the column dress was embellished with sparkly cabochons.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 26, 2015

The owl’s eyes are large cabochons set over the twin cones, and its sparkling wings, wrapped around the HM3 engine, are entirely pavé-set with brilliant-cut stones.

From New York Times ● Nov. 26, 2010

Granted, it is one of the most regal birds of the forest, with its chocolate- color plumage, dappled with white spots, and its enormous eyes, like onyx cabochons, scouring the forest for prey.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the coils and masses of her black hair she fixed her two great cabochons of pearls, and clasped about her neck her palm-broad collaret of pearls and diamonds.

From The Pit by Frank Norris

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