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

Not surprisingly, people love cerulean skies and aquamarine seas, moody gemstones — sapphires, lapis lazuli, the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond — and blue inventions, like denim jeans and ballpoint pens. —Amanda Fortini, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

To me, that is Zenith going in the more independent watchmaking route with a stunning lapis lazuli dial with mother of pearl along with a full platinum case and bracelet. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2025

The other three in the series featured a dark mother-of-pearl dial, a lapis lazuli dial and a turquoise dial. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Made from ground lapis lazuli, the paint was difficult and costly to produce. —Amanda Fortini, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

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
• hooley
• muley
• newly

Kids Definition

lapis lazuli

noun

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

-ˈslaz-

: a deep blue gemstone