sapphire

noun

sap·​phire ˈsa-ˌfī(-ə)r 

1

a

: a gem variety of corundum in transparent or translucent crystals of a color other than red

especially : one of a transparent rich blue

b

: a gem of such corundum

2

: a deep purplish-blue color

sapphire adjective

Examples of sapphire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Designer Calvin Klein purchased a natural pearl and diamond necklace, while Joan Collins bought a sapphire pendant. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026

Roots of tradition Most medieval roses were made of gold and silver, adorned with precious stones such as sapphires and rubies. — Joëlle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

An interior row of round sapphires hugs the neck, while tsavorites, tourmalines, and light-blue sapphires recreate the frothing and churning of the falls. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026

Future electronic devices Elliot Kisiel, PhD, a Maria Goeppert Mayer fellow at ANL, as well as lead author of the study, stated that the team initially suspected the unexpected response in the sapphire substrate was an experimental artifact. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English safir, from Anglo-French, from Latin sapphirus, from Greek sappheiros, perhaps of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew sappīr sapphire

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sapphire

• star sapphire
• water sapphire

Kids Definition

sapphire

noun

sap·​phire ˈsaf-ˌī(ə)r 

1

: a clear bright blue precious stone

2

: a deep purplish blue

sapphire adjective

Etymology

Middle English safir "sapphire," from early French safir (same meaning), from Latin sapphirus "sapphire," from Greek sappheiros (same meaning), perhaps of Semitic origin