bezel

noun

be·​zel ˈbē-zəl How to pronounce bezel (audio) ˈbe- How to pronounce bezel (audio)
1
: a rim that holds a transparent covering (as on a watch, clock, or headlight) or that is rotatable and has special markings (as on a watch)
2
gems : the oblique (see oblique entry 1 sense 1a) side or face of a cut gem
specifically : the upper faceted portion of a brilliant projecting from the setting see brilliant illustration
3
jewelry : a usually metal rim of a piece of jewelry in which an ornament (such as a gem) is set

Examples of bezel 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.
The bezels appear marginally slimmer but the overall design is a refinement rather than a reinvention. — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 These were followed by black- and silver-dial models retaining the dual-color bezel. — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026 Swift pulled her blonde hair back into a low bun, showing off a pair of $35,000 3-carat bezel diamond earrings from Retrouvai. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026 The Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 has a squircle shape that combines a squared bezel with a circular watch face. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bezel

Word History

Etymology

probably from dialect form of French biseau bezel, from Middle French

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bezel was in 1611

Rhymes for bezel

See All Rhymes for bezel

Browse Nearby Words

bez antler
bezel
Bezier
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on bezel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bezel

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