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.

---

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

---

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

The rapper's team argued in court that Saxon was an unlicensed contractor who "destroyed" the "architectural gem" while working there.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

When reporters asked Boebert why she had sent the photo, the congresswoman offered this gem: “Well, I mean I really admired her blue suit. So I wanted to capture that for everyone.”

From Salon • Feb. 27, 2026

But the real gem of Pascagoula is its namesake river.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

Over his head floats a shimmering blue gem.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Related Words

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