What does bejewelled mean?
'Bejewelled' is an adjective describing something adorned or covered with jewels, or more loosely, anything that glitters as though studded with gems. It derives from the verb 'to bejewel', formed by adding the prefix 'be-' to 'jewel', and it evokes luxury, splendour, and ornate decoration. The word is most often applied literally to crowns, gowns, jewellery, and ceremonial objects, but writers frequently use it figuratively too — a sky 'bejewelled with stars' or a meadow 'bejewelled with dewdrops'. The standard British spelling is 'bejewelled', while American English favours 'bejeweled'. Its connotations are almost always positive or awe-inspiring, suggesting richness and beauty. It is a vivid, slightly literary word well suited to descriptive writing about fashion, royalty, nature, or festive display.
Adorned or decorated with jewels.
"The bejewelled tiara was the centrepiece of the exhibition."
British spelling 'bejewelled'; US spelling 'bejeweled'.
Glittering or sparkling as if covered with jewels (figurative use).
"A bejewelled canopy of stars spread over the desert camp."
The 'be-' prefix does the heavy lifting here — it turns plain 'jewel' into a verb of transformation, literally dressing something up in gems.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bejewelled
'Bejewelled' comes from the verb 'bejewel', formed in English by prefixing 'be-' (meaning 'to cover or furnish with') onto 'jewel'. The word 'jewel' itself entered English from Old French 'jouel', ultimately from Latin 'jocus' meaning 'plaything' or 'delight'. The adjective form arose from the past participle of the verb and has been used since at least the early modern period to describe things adorned with gems.
Related word forms
How bejewelled is actually used
'Bejewelled' is the standard British spelling; American English typically uses 'bejeweled'. The word carries a connotation of luxury, opulence, and ornamentation, and is often used somewhat figuratively for starry skies, dew-covered fields, or anything that glitters richly.
Easily confused with bejewelled
Bespangled means decorated with small sparkling ornaments or sequins rather than actual jewels.