jewel case

IPA/ˈdʒuːəl keɪs/
IPA/ˈdʒuːəl keɪs/

jewel case — noun

1. A small, clear plastic container with a hinged lid, made to hold a compact disc

1.nounB1
Definition

A small, clear plastic container with a hinged lid, made to hold a compact disc and protect it from scratches.

Example

Niran took the CD out of its jewel case and put it in the player.

out of + its + jewel case (removing a CD)

The librarian asked us to return each CD in its original jewel case.

Common collocations
  • original jewel case
  • cracked jewel case
  • snap the jewel case shut
  • remove the CD from its jewel case
  • jewel case lid
Synonyms
  • CD case

    More general term; can refer to any kind of CD packaging, not just the standard jewel case.

  • CD box

    Informal; often used interchangeably with jewel case but less precise.

Grammar Patterns

jewel case (singular)

jewel cases (plural)

Usage Note

Countable noun. The term 'jewel case' is more specific than 'CD case' — it refers to the standard 12 cm by 14 cm transparent plastic box that became the industry standard in the 1980s, not other types of disc packaging like cardboard sleeves or slim cases.

Common Mistakes

I bought a new jewel case that has my favorite songs on it.
I bought a new CD that has my favorite songs on it.
'jewel case' refers to the plastic container, not the disc or its music content.

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • original jewel case
  • empty jewel case

Prepositions

Etymology

English

The term 'jewel case' was coined in the 1980s when the compact disc was introduced. The 'jewel' part refers to the clear plastic that displays the disc's printed label, making it look like a gem displayed in a case.