What does bejeweled mean?
Bejeweled is an adjective describing something adorned or covered with jewels, or with ornaments that sparkle like jewels. It typically connotes luxury, splendor, and richness — a bejeweled crown, a bejeweled gown, or a bejeweled brooch all suggest elaborate decoration and precious materials. The word also extends figuratively to natural scenes that glitter, such as a night sky bejeweled with stars or a garden bejeweled with dewdrops. Formed with the English prefix 'be-', which converts a noun into a verb meaning to cover or surround with that thing, it derives from the noun 'jewel', which entered Middle English from Old French 'jouel'. The adjective is common in both British and American English, though spellings differ slightly ('bejeweled' in the US, 'bejewelled' in Britain). Its evocative quality makes it a favorite in descriptive and literary writing.
Decorated or covered with jewels or things resembling jewels.
"The museum displayed a bejeweled tiara once worn by Russian royalty."
Also used figuratively for anything glittering, as in 'a sky bejeweled with stars'.
Past participle of 'bejewel': to have decorated something with jewels.
"The artisan had bejeweled every surface of the ceremonial box."
The word 'bejeweled' literally means 'made into a jewel' — the prefix 'be-' turns ordinary objects into treasure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bejeweled
Bejeweled derives from the noun 'jewel', which came into Middle English from Old French 'jouel', itself of uncertain ultimate origin, possibly Latin 'jocale' (plaything) or related to 'gaudium' (joy). The prefix 'be-' was added to form the verb 'bejewel', meaning to decorate with jewels, and the past participle 'bejeweled' then functioned adjectivally. A French cognate survives in 'bijou', meaning a small jewel or trinket.
Related word forms
How bejeweled is actually used
Often carries a connotation of opulence, luxury, or glamour; frequently used figuratively for anything glittering or ornately decorated, such as a bejeweled sky or bejeweled city skyline. More common in American spelling as 'bejeweled'; British usage often prefers 'bejewelled'.
Easily confused with bejeweled
'Bewildered' means confused or perplexed, while 'bejeweled' means decorated with jewels — the shared prefix 'be-' can make the two look alike at a glance.