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

• ˈtreasurable, adjective
• ˈtreasureless, 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

They paid for them with their national treasure and the blood of their sons, and they have a right to it.

From ProPublica

More in KidsPost Kids write in verse to honor planet Earth Trash has long been treasure for poet Naomi Shihab Nye Kids share poetry in new ways to make their voices heard

From Washington Post

In each of TREASURE’s first three single albums, the group paired a hard-hitting lead single with a laid-back second track, showcasing its versatility.

From Time

The brain is searching more widely than during wakefulness, going through less obvious associations, and digging for hidden treasures in places it would never consider while awake.

From Nautilus

Now that this is open to US publishers, many new publishers now have access to this treasure trove of information.

From Search Engine Land

Storage containers hold a treasure trove of mascara, lipstick, blush, and other makeup.

From The Daily Beast

Just another golden treasure hidden somewhere in the great unknown, waiting to be discovered, plundered and protected.

From The Daily Beast

But like all lost treasure in this part of the world, it's something that will either be found by the people, or by the pirates.

From The Daily Beast

There were rumors that Schmidt was motivated by buried treasure or another secret of the mountain, but they were never proven.

From The Daily Beast

Going to the library was like a treasure hunt, an expedition.

From The Daily Beast

"Better so," was the Senora's sole reply; and she fell again into still deeper, more perplexed thought about the hidden treasure.

From Project Gutenberg

The life of a laborer that is content with what he hath, shall be sweet, and in it thou shalt find a treasure.

From Project Gutenberg

My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is there in them both?

From Project Gutenberg

The treasure taken on board these vessels was afterwards conveyed to the bank of England in 20 wagons.

From Project Gutenberg

Once on the ground, I began to think we were in no immediate danger of getting our throats cut for the sake of the treasure.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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