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

Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a polished steel bezel, and BGW9 Super-LumiNova lume round out the spec sheet. —Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

On the reverse side, the historic time-only movement (caliber 17’22) is on full display through the sapphire caseback. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025

Next door, the towering crevice of the Inland Sea connects a shallow pool on the inside of the cliff face to the sea, framing views of the sparkling sapphire waters with soaring dark rock. —AFAR Media, 28 Aug. 2025

These include typecasting Black women as jezebels, sapphires and mammies; these depictions, combined with the law enforcement they may be exposed to, increase their vulnerability under the law. —Kerry Lester Kasper, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 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