ebony

[ eb-uh-nee ]

noun

, plural eb·on·ies.

1. a hard, heavy, durable wood, most highly prized when black, from various tropical trees of the genus Diospyros, as D. ebenum of southern India and Sri Lanka, used for cabinetwork, ornamental objects, etc.
2. any tree yielding such wood.
3. any of various similar woods or trees.
4. a deep, lustrous black.

adjective

1. Also made of ebony.
2. of a deep, lustrous black.

ebony

/ ˈɛbənɪ /

noun

1. any of various tropical and subtropical trees of the genus Diospyros, esp D. ebenum of S India, that have hard dark wood: family Ebenaceae See also persimmon
2. the wood of such a tree, much used for cabinetwork
3. 1. a black colour, sometimes with a dark olive tinge
   2. ( as adjective )

      an ebony skin

Word History and Origins

Origin of ebony¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; earlier hebeny; ebon; -y perhaps after ivory

Word History and Origins

Origin of ebony¹

C16 hebeny , from Late Latin ebeninus from Greek ebeninos, from ebenos ebony, of Egyptian origin

Example Sentences

Well-known trees such as magnolias are among the most threatened, with oaks, maple and ebonies also at risk.

From BBC

The title Black Rod comes from the ebony staff, topped with a golden lion, carried by the holder.

From BBC

Far, far away in the vastness of deep space, an ebony spaceship awaits.

From New York Times

Campbell described Isaac as “rather tall, of strong frame, stoops a little, in color ebony; sensible, intelligent, pleasant.”

From Literature

Fluffy cottage gardens are more compelling when spiky yuccas or ebony succulents are thrown into the flowery mix.

From Seattle Times