amber

1 of 2

noun

am·​ber ˈam-bər How to pronounce amber (audio)
1
: a hard yellowish to brownish translucent fossil resin that takes a fine polish and is used chiefly in making ornamental objects (such as beads)
2
: a variable color averaging a dark orange yellow

amber

2 of 2

adjective

1
: consisting of amber
2
: resembling amber
especially : having the color amber

Examples of amber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
When an artist dies, who gets to be remembered for their art, and who gets caught in the amber of their death? — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 Likewise, the film rewards patience with an agonizingly tender culminating shot — a reminder that some things must change while others linger in the amber of childhood. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
The 30-year-old right-hander had been experimenting with an amber contact in his weaker (left) eye. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 At ThaiPop, owners Ryan and Annie Balow make all their cocktails and mocktails with palm sugar syrup, which has an amber hue and more complex sweetness than typical simple syrup. — Midwest Living, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for amber

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ambre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ambra, from Arabic ʽanbar ambergris

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of amber was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing amber

Rhymes for amber

See All Rhymes for amber

Browse Nearby Words

ambeer
amber
Amber Alert
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amber. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

amber

noun
am·​ber
ˈam-bər
1
: a hard yellowish partly transparent resin from trees long dead that can be highly polished and is used for ornamental objects (as beads)
2
: a dark orange yellow
amber adjective

Medical Definition

amber

noun
am·​ber ˈam-bər How to pronounce amber (audio)
: a hard yellowish to brownish translucent fossil resin that takes a fine polish and is used chiefly in making ornamental objects (as beads)
amber adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on amber

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amber

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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