jewellery
/ˈdʒuːəlri
/(US jewelry) Usage
noun [mass noun]
Personal ornaments, such as necklaces, rings, or bracelets, that are typically made from or contain jewels and precious metal: she had silver hair and chunky gold jewellery [as modifier]: a jewellery box...
- The foreigner had tried to steal expensive diamond jewelry at knifepoint from a service girl.
- She also requested you wear your gold jewelry, even though it is uncomfortable.
- He wears real gold jewelry and drives a BMW.
Synonyms
jewels, gems, gemstones, precious stones, semi-precious stones, bijouterie;
treasure, regalia;
ornaments, trinkets, costume jewellery, diamanté
archaic bijoux
Usage
The different spellings of jewellery in British and American English can cause confusion. The British spelling jewellery adds -lery to jewel, while the American spelling jewelry adds -ry.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French juelerie, from juelier 'jeweller', from joel (see jewel).