koh-i-noor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; Literary; Historical
Quick answer
What does “koh-i-noor” mean?
A famous, exceptionally large and valuable diamond, one of the British Crown Jewels, historically from India.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A famous, exceptionally large and valuable diamond, one of the British Crown Jewels, historically from India.
Used figuratively to denote something of supreme value, beauty, or uniqueness; the most precious or prized item in a collection or field.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally recognized in both varieties due to its historical significance. British English has more immediate cultural and political resonance as the diamond is part of the Crown Jewels.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes immense value and historical weight. In some post-colonial contexts, it may carry connotations of colonial appropriation.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. Slightly higher recognition and occasional figurative use in UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “koh-i-noor” in a Sentence
[be] the Koh-i-Noor of [field/collection][possess/own] the Koh-i-NoorVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “koh-i-noor” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The collection lacked a truly Koh-i-Noor piece to draw the crowds.
American English
- She described the vintage car as the Koh-i-Noor of the auction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially used in marketing: 'This acquisition is the Koh-i-Noor of our portfolio.'
Academic
Used in historical, post-colonial, or material culture studies discussing the specific diamond or as a metaphor.
Everyday
Very rare. Possibly in hyperbolic conversation: 'Her new ring is the Koh-i-Noor of engagement rings.'
Technical
Used in gemology or history when referring specifically to the diamond.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “koh-i-noor”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “koh-i-noor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “koh-i-noor”
- Misspelling: 'Kohinoor' (often accepted but hyphenated form is standard), 'Koh-i-nor'. Using it as a common noun without 'the' or the figurative structure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is from Persian, meaning 'Mountain of Light'.
It is part of the British Crown Jewels, set in the Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, on public display in the Tower of London.
Not in standard usage. Its adjectival use is almost exclusively in the figurative construction 'the Koh-i-Noor of...' to mean 'the best and most valuable example of.'
Yes, the unhyphenated form 'Kohinoor' is a common variant, though many authoritative sources use the hyphenated 'Koh-i-Noor'.
A famous, exceptionally large and valuable diamond, one of the British Crown Jewels, historically from India.
Koh-i-noor is usually formal; literary; historical in register.
Koh-i-noor: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊ ɪ ˈnʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊ ɪ ˈnʊr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the Koh-i-Noor of [something] (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Koh-i-Noor' sounds like 'go in awe' – you go in awe when you see something so supremely valuable.
Conceptual Metaphor
A VALUABLE OBJECT IS A JEWEL / THE MOST VALUABLE IS THE SUPREME JEWEL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'Koh-i-Noor'?