Definition

A type of gemstone that is linked to a specific month and is traditionally worn by people born in that month.

Example

My birthstone is emerald because I was born in May.

Conversation

Do you know what your birthstone is?

Yeah, it's amethyst! What about you?

Mine is emerald, I love that green color.

That's beautiful! We should get matching jewelry with our birthstones.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Birthstone → The word is formed from "birth" (from Old English "berthan", meaning to be born) and "stone" (from Old English "stan", meaning a solid mineral matter). A birthstone is a stone associated with the month of one's birth, symbolizing the time of birth.

Memory Tip

Think of the time you were 'born' ('birth') and the 'stone' that represents that month — that's why a birthstone is a stone linked to your birth month.

Visually Confused Words