Jewellery
ˈdʒuːəlri
Definitions
Personal ornaments, such as necklaces, rings, or bracelets, typically made of precious metals and set with gems.
ˈdʒuːəlri
Ornaments made of precious metals and gems
She inherited a collection of antique jewellery from her grandmother.
💡 Simply: Jewellery is like the sparkly stuff you wear to make yourself look fancy, like a shiny necklace or a cool bracelet. Imagine you're going to a party – you might pick out some of your favourite jewellery to wear!
👶 For kids: Jewellery is things you wear to look pretty, like necklaces and bracelets!
More Examples
The shop window displayed a dazzling array of gold and silver jewellery.
Her outfit was completed by a delicate piece of diamond jewellery.
How It's Used
"She wore a beautiful necklace as part of her jewellery collection."
"The store specializes in high-end jewellery, featuring diamonds and other precious stones."
Idioms & expressions
cost an arm and a leg
To be very expensive.
"That designer handbag cost an arm and a leg!"
From Old French *joiel* (jewel), from Latin *jocale* (plaything, jewel). The spelling with '-ll-' is a British English variant, while the spelling without is American English.
Historically, the word 'jewellery' has been used in both formal and informal contexts to describe personal adornments of various materials, from precious metals and gems to more humble adornments.
Memory tip
Think of a *jewel* and the *ry* added for the collection.
Word Origin
"a jewel, plaything"