ruby

1 of 2

noun

ru·​by ˈrü-bē 

plural rubies

1

a

: a precious stone that is a red corundum

b

: something (such as a watch bearing) made of ruby

2

a

: the dark red color of the ruby

b

: something resembling a ruby in color

ruby

2 of 2

adjective

: of the color ruby

Examples of ruby in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The British supermodel wears a new version of the brand’s Confetti necklace featuring diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires in shades of blue, pink and yellow. —Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025

Harrison also showed Fox News Digital a Boston Red Sox World Series ring in 14K white gold, with 21 rubies and 22 blue sapphires. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Adjective

The Institute of Agriculture notes that there are a few hummingbirds that surface between November and late March in Tennessee and other Southern states, but these birds are not typically ruby-throat hummingbirds. —Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

The company’s new Aura glasses ($385) change from cool blue to purple, ruby, and even crystal clear with the tap of a finger. —Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French rubi, rubin, from Medieval Latin rubinus, from Latin rubeus reddish; akin to Latin ruber red — more at red

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ruby

• ruby glass
• ruby spinel
• ruby-throated hummingbird

Rhymes for ruby

• booby

Kids Definition

ruby

1 of 2 noun

ru·​by ˈrü-bē 

plural rubies

1

: a precious stone of a deep red color

2

: the dark red color of the ruby

ruby

2 of 2 adjective

: dark red in color