# gem

/ˈdʒɛm/ (US) · /dʒˈɛm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gem
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. precious stone

noun · CEFR B1

a precious stone, such as a diamond or emerald, that is cut and polished for jewelry.

For teachers: a precious or semi-precious stone, especially one that has been cut and polished for use in ornamentation.

- The museum has a famous collection of rare gems from around the world.
- The crown was encrusted with hundreds of small gems, each meticulously cut to catch the light from every angle.

### 2. special person or thing

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

someone or something that is very helpful, valuable, or impressive.

For teachers: a person or thing held in high esteem or regarded as exceptionally useful or beautiful.

- Our new assistant is a real gem; she finished all the work in half the time.
- The small bookstore is a hidden gem, tucked away in a quiet alley where few tourists ever venture.

### 3. software library

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a package of code or a library used in the Ruby programming language.

For teachers: a standard format for distributing Ruby programs and libraries, managed by the RubyGems system.

- You need to install the latest gem to make the website work correctly.
- The developer published a new gem to simplify the process of authenticating users across different platforms.

Usage: Usually refers specifically to the Ruby ecosystem.

### 4. to decorate

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to decorate something with jewels or bright objects.

For teachers: to adorn or embellish a surface with gems or jewel-like decorations.

- The morning dew gemmed the spider's web like tiny diamonds.
- The poet described how the stars gemmed the velvet sky, creating a brilliant canopy over the sleeping city.

## Examples

- The ring features a bright green gem.
- The small museum is a hidden gem that most tourists miss when visiting the city.
- Geologists identified the specimen as a rare gem, noting its flawless clarity and unique refractive properties that distinguished it from common quartz.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.