lapis lazuli

noun

la·​pis la·​zu·​li ˌla-pəs-ˈla-zə-lē 

-ˈla-zhə-

: a semiprecious stone that is usually rich azure blue and is essentially a complex silicate often with spangles of pyrites

called also lapis

Examples of lapis lazuli in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her sculpture, cast in bronze and patinated with lapis lazuli blue—a pigment used in in north Africa, the Middle East, and Europe since antiquity—will remain in place for two years. — News Desk, Artforum, 10 Sep. 2026

The shade of the sculpture's dress and shoes was inspired by lapis lazuli — the rare rock used as a pigment since antiquity. — Tanya Fevzi, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

The brooch itself featured his feather friend, done up in white and yellow diamonds, perched atop a cabochon lapis lazuli. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026

The piece is crafted in 18-karat gold, lapis lazuli, blue and green agate and white mother-of-pearl. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin lapis + Medieval Latin lazuli, genitive of lazulum lapis lazuli, from Arabic lāzaward — more at azure

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lapis lazuli

• bernoulli
• unduly
• unruly
• cooley
• coolly
• cooly
• coulee
• cruelly
• duly
• foully
• hooley
• muley

Kids Definition

lapis lazuli

noun

la·​pis la·​zu·​li ˌlap-ə-ˈslazh-ə-lē 

-ˈslaz-

: a deep blue gemstone