ruby

noun ru·by \ ˈrü-bē \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

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

See ruby defined for kids

Recent Examples of ruby from the Web

Meanwhile, the train of the gown was a deep ruby red with two sheer panels and gold embroidering.

— lauren alexis fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "Blake Lively's Met Gala Gown Was Worth The 600 Hours It Took To Make," 8 May 2018
There are new colors: onyx (black), ruby (red), and sapphire (blue), as well as new lenses.

— kurt wagner, Recode, "Snapchat is selling a new, water-resistant version of Spectacles for $150," 26 Apr. 2018
Hunks of ruby-red rare filet mignon wearing caps of black truffle and a drizzle of heart-stopping demi-glace, poured tableside, perch on custardy beds of brioche.

— michael nagrant, RedEye Chicago, "At BLVD, you'll find approachable fine dining in a glamorous setting," 6 Oct. 2017
Perhaps the most extravagant present was an 18-karat white-gold rattle from the Natural Sapphire Company, featuring diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "Princess Charlotte Receives Incredible First Birthday Gifts From Around the World," 3 May 2016
The list is almost endless for this administration that seems to consider early boarding, free airplane meals, and nice furnishings more precious than rubies.

— kevin baker, The New Republic, "Why America needs truth and reconciliation after Trump," 17 May 2018
Beneath a gassy haze, boiling, ruby-red, molten rock thickened and rose up, swelling like a tidal wave topped off by a fireworks of crashing surf.

— giannella m. garrett, chicagotribune.com, "When planning a hike on an active volcano, safety before spectacle," 11 May 2018
The face of a graceful beauty with Rapunzel hair is carved by master artisans in pink coral and set with 1,300 rubies.

— stellene volandes, Town & Country, "Cameo Jewelry Is Having a Moment," 3 May 2018
To serve, add a twist of fresh ruby grapefruit to the glass.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Birmingham Food News: Ramen, rolled ice cream, and cajun," 10 Apr. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

ruby

adjective

Definition of ruby

: of the color ruby

Recent Examples of ruby from the Web

Double fly nymph rigs have been very effective (my current favorite is a red fox squirrel nymph (#14) with a ruby midge (#18) suspended below it.

— tyler mahoney special to the star, kansascity, "Fishing report: Nineteen-pound channel cat caught at Wyandotte," 6 June 2018
Paella with yellow saffron, red peppers and clams could become citrine with ruby and black diamonds.

— ingrid schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, "How 'Jurassic Park' Inspired Hollywood Jewelry Designer Daniela Villegas," 23 May 2018
Javier Zarracina/Vox Moser and Fletcher represent the two schools of thought on how to turn ruby red Texas Texas purple: by turning out diverse, progressive new voters or appealing to moderate, crossover Republicans.

— ella nilsen, Vox, "This Democratic primary race is a test of whether unapologetic progressivism can win in Texas," 21 May 2018
The ring is quite similar to her mother’s Burmese ruby engagement ring.

— kara thompson, Town & Country, "Princess Eugenie Looks Gorgeous in this Light Blue Dress at the Royal Wedding," 19 May 2018
The brand, launched in 1948, is known for animal jewels with lifelike faces — tiger rings with emerald eyes and black enamel stripes, a frog bracelet with twin heads and ruby eyes, an Elizabeth Taylor lion necklace made of pearls.

— kara baskin, BostonGlobe.com, "Want to shop for jewelry Liz Taylor sought?," 10 May 2018
Troy, for his part, has been walking around in a metallic red suit and hexagonal ruby sunglasses paying the bills as a freelance terrorist.

— lincoln michel, GQ, "The Most Ridiculous '90s Action Movie Is on Netflix," 5 May 2018
Preview coverage Gotta be the shoes: Romeo Langford wore ruby slippers.

— scott horner, Indianapolis Star, "Reaction to Mr. Basketball Romeo Langford's choice of IU," 30 Apr. 2018
There aren't a lot of things that can sink Republicans' hopes in the ruby red state that Donald Trump won by 42 percentage points in 2016, but Blankenship could well be one.

— CBS News, "In West Virginia, ex-con candidate compounds GOP problems," 28 Apr. 2018

First Known Use of ruby

15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up ruby? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

ruby

Definition of ruby

Recent Examples of ruby from the Web

Origin and Etymology of ruby

ruby

Definition of ruby

Recent Examples of ruby from the Web

First Known Use of ruby

RUBY Defined for English Language Learners

ruby

Definition of ruby for English Language Learners

RUBY Defined for Kids

ruby

Definition of ruby for Students

Learn More about ruby

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

quail

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words We're Watching: 'B side'

Can You Use 'Comprised of'?

Words We're Watching: '-iversary'

'Franchise': Profit from Freedom

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Name More Food!

Yearbook Superlatives Quiz

Name That Thing

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Words We're Watching: 'B side'

Trending: DOJ Describes Comey as 'Insubordinate'

Name More Food!

9 Words for Transnational Currencies

Ghost Word

ruby

Definition of ruby

Recent Examples of ruby from the Web

Origin and Etymology of ruby

ruby

Definition of ruby

Recent Examples of ruby from the Web

First Known Use of ruby

RUBY Defined for English Language Learners

ruby

Definition of ruby for English Language Learners

RUBY Defined for Kids

ruby

Definition of ruby for Students

Learn More about ruby

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Words We're Watching: 'B side'

Trending: DOJ Describes Comey as 'Insubordinate'

Name More Food!

9 Words for Transnational Currencies

Ghost Word