treasure

[ trezh-er ]

noun

1. wealth or riches stored or accumulated, especially in the form of precious metals, money, jewels, or plate.

   Synonyms: hoard

2. wealth, rich materials, or valuable things.
3. any thing or person greatly valued or highly prized:

   This book was his chief treasure.

verb (used with object)

, treas·ured, treas·ur·ing.

1. to retain carefully or keep in store, as in the mind.
2. to regard or treat as precious; cherish.

   Synonyms: esteem, value

3. to put away for security or future use, as money.

   Synonyms: hoard

treasure

/ ˈtrɛʒə /

noun

1. wealth and riches, usually hoarded, esp in the form of money, precious metals, or gems
2. a thing or person that is highly prized or valued

verb

1. to prize highly as valuable, rare, or costly
2. to store up and save; hoard

Derived Forms

• ˈtreasureless, adjective
• ˈtreasurable, adjective

Other Words From

• treasur·a·ble adjective
• treasure·less adjective
• un·treasur·a·ble adjective
• un·treasured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of treasure¹

First recorded in 1125–75; (for the noun) Middle English tresor, from Old French, from Gallo-Romance trēsaurus (unrecorded), from Latin thēsaurus “storehouse, hoard” ( thesaurus ); verb derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of treasure¹

C12: from Old French tresor , from Latin thēsaurus anything hoarded, from Greek thēsauros

Example Sentences

A never-before-seen collection of treasures belonging to a comedy legend are set for auction.

From BBC

She concluded her statement by saying she would always treasure “the beautiful energy” she felt working with her collaborators on “+57.”

From Los Angeles Times

I consider every piece that I find in Paris a little treasure.

From Los Angeles Times

The turmoil escalated when Folt canceled the “main stage” commencement ceremony, depriving students and their families of a treasured ritual.

From Los Angeles Times

At the time, she called Peggy "a true national treasure who has been part of my life, and millions of others, for as long as I can remember".

From BBC

Related Words

• adore
• appreciate
• cherish
• conserve
• preserve
• revere
• worship