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

Juxtaposed with a painting of a shapely derrière by French naïve painter Camille Bombois is the All Year Round bracelet with 12 stones in a rainbow that includes emeralds, sapphires and garnets. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025

Also stolen was another tiara from the collection of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense that is composed of sapphires and more than 1,000 diamonds, according to the Louvre. —Lilia Geho, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2025

Among the items taken was a diamond and sapphire jewelry set including a tiara and necklace worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense. —Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025

The thieves got away with a total of eight objects, including a sapphire diadem, necklace and single earring from a set linked to 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. —Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

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