ruby

noun ru·by \ ˈrü-bē \

Definition of ruby

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

See ruby defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of ruby from the Web

Distinctly sweet and undeniably earthy, beets are the jewels of midsummer farmers markets, flaunting eye-catching shades ranging from deep ruby to snow white.

— ashleigh spitza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "For a colorful nutrition punch, learn to love beets," 8 Aug. 2017
The lower grip has 15 small diamonds around a three-carat ruby.

— rick montgomery, kansascity, "Swords worth nearly $1 million stolen from Truman Library in 1978 remain missing," 16 July 2017
The ring, made of 14-karat white gold, features 214 diamonds at 5.5 karats, three karats of red rubies and 2.5 karats of sapphires.

— paul skrbina, chicagotribune.com, "Cubs raffling off player-grade World Series ring with 214 diamonds," 7 July 2017
A giant, dark red oval ruby, shaved flat as a college graduate’s hat and surrounded by tiny diamonds.

— thomas beller, Town & Country, "Ruth Negga In Full Bloom," 26 June 2017
Lead singer Teri Gender Bender, slashed with red paint that matched her signature head-to-toe ruby ensemble, groaned, strutted and prayed her way in Spanish across the stage.

— special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "At the Drive-In whips up a blissful post-hardcore euphoria at the Agora (photos)," 22 June 2017
After the ceremony, the Australian singer reportedly changed into a ruby-red gown with a ruffled hi-low skirt and deep neckline.

— de elizabeth, Allure, "Victoria Swarovski Wears Wedding Dress With 500,000 Crystals," 22 June 2017
The windows glowed from within like a den of rubies.

— diana whitney, Longreads, "My Father’s Adventure Was My Terror," 19 June 2017
Several totes and cases that carried jewelry and gems including emeralds, sapphires and rubies were missing, police said.

— janelle walker, Elgin Courier-News, "$500,000 in jewelry reported missing after St. Charles arts show," 31 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ruby.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ruby

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

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ruby

adjective

Definition of ruby

:of the color ruby

Recent Examples of ruby from the Web

Garland's character, Dorothy, was clearly a favorite during the festival as several girls and women donned her blue-ribbon pigtails and blue dress with ruby slippers.

— frank vaisvilas, Daily Southtown, "'Wizard of Oz' fest takes Southland down yellow brick road," 9 Aug. 2017
Several species of hummingbirds may be seen in Louisiana, but only ruby-throated hummingbirds breed in the state.

— NOLA.com, "32 plants to attract hummingbirds to your yard," 15 July 2017
The ruby fish was photo worthy with pretty lime radishes, shaped like a delicate sea anemone; a sprig of yellow wasabi flowers; and burgundy Bing cherries.

— suzanne loudermilk, baltimoresun.com, "Seafood suits Johnny's, but the prices don't," 13 July 2017
The ruby 1970s Herman Miller piece, backed with a stainless-steel ledge, was stuffed with foam that had turned toxic.

— r. daniel foster, latimes.com, "Before and After: Groovy 1970s party house turns Japanese-rustic," 30 June 2017
Helping recruit and win with sheriffs, military veterans, and even high school football coaches in purple and ruby red Republican districts all across the country.

— graham vyse, New Republic, "Do the Democrats Know How to Win Anymore?," 22 June 2017
Watch pods of dolphins dance in crystal blue, sub-tropical waters from the deck of an outdoor bar or cruise along coastal Captiva Drive past giant cacti and ruby hibiscus.

— Smithsonian, "Discover more of Fort Myers and Sanibel's pristine beaches.," 21 June 2017
In early April, Republicans fended off a strong Democratic challenger in ruby-red Kansas in this year’s first special House election, following last-minute support from Trump and Vice President Pence.

— karen tumulty, Washington Post, "The GOP inherits what Trump has wrought," 26 May 2017
A fizzy, pale ruby sparkler, this is a dry, easy sipper with pleasant floral and strawberry flavors.

— joseph hernandez, chicagotribune.com, "17 rosé wines to drink on Memorial Day, most under $20," 25 May 2017

First Known Use of ruby

15th century

RUBY Defined for English Language Learners

ruby

noun

Definition of ruby for English Language Learners

: a deep red stone that is used in jewelry
: a dark red color

RUBY Defined for Kids

ruby

noun ru·by \ ˈrü-bē \

Definition of ruby for Students

plural rubies

1 :a gemstone of a deep red color

2 :a deep purplish red

Learn More about ruby

See words that rhyme with ruby Spanish Central: Translation of ruby Nglish: Translation of ruby for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ruby for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ruby

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ruby

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RUBY Defined for English Language Learners

ruby

Definition of ruby for English Language Learners

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ruby

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