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

While Hart made his way onto the stage to accept the honor, Venus opened the jewelry box to reveal a stunning ring from Jason of Beverly Hills, featuring over 400 white diamonds alongside rubies, yellow sapphires and black diamonds. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026

That’s the family of minerals that includes expensive jewels such as rubies and sapphires. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 12 May 2026

And last week, the FDA approved four new devices made by Glas, including classic menthol, fresh menthol, gold, and sapphire pods. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 12 May 2026

This year’s collection had a bumper crop of 41 millionaire pieces, with a handful breaching the mid-seven-figure barrier, among them the jewels with important sapphires, emeralds and rubies. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 10 May 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