sapphire

noun sap·phire \ ˈsa-ˌfī(-ə)r \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Definition of sapphire

1 a : a gem variety of corundum in transparent or translucent crystals of a color other than red; especially : one of a transparent rich blue

b : a gem of such corundum

2 : a deep purplish-blue color

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sapphire

adjective

See sapphire defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of sapphire from the Web

Come Princess Eugenie's wedding day, all eyes will be on her stunning pink sapphire engagement ring, her wedding-day look, and well, her parents.

— amanda garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Who Are Princess Eugenie's Parents, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew?," 5 June 2018
Kate's was Diana's iconic sapphire ring, while Meghan's was designed by Prince Harry and features two diamonds from his mother's collection.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "Prince Harry Just Gave Meghan Markle a Gift from Princess Diana's Jewelry Collection," 19 May 2018
Waant offers sapphires sourced from Montana, and black, grey and champagne diamonds, all of which are sourced ethically (and with a whole 'about' section on the site devoted to explaining exactly where those stones come from).

— tara lamont-djite, Harper's BAZAAR, "These Affordable Engagement Rings Are Actually Really Chic–And You Can Design Them Yourself," 16 Apr. 2018
But Groups 2-5 start to sound like a trip to the jewelry mart: platinum, emerald, sapphire, gold and ruby.

— catharine hamm, latimes.com, "Boarding an airplane is such a pain in the neck. Can the process be fixed?," 9 Apr. 2018
One thing's for certain: The bride will definitely flash her massive padparadscha sapphire engagement ring.

— caroline picard, Good Housekeeping, "Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's Wedding: All the Details You Need to Know," 30 May 2018
William also honored his mother’s memory by giving his wife, Kate Middleton, Diana’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring.

— kathleen joyce, Fox News, "Prince Harry will wear a wedding ring unlike his brother," 19 May 2018
William, too, honored his mother with his engagement ring to Kate in 2010, giving his bride Diana’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring.

— char adams, PEOPLE.com, "Prince Harry to Break Tradition with Platinum Wedding Ring — as Meghan Sticks with Royal Gold," 19 May 2018
The Qatar diamond and pearl earrings gifted to Diana by the King of Qatar or a diamond and sapphire suite from the Sultan of Oman in 1986.

— tess kornfeld, Glamour, "Here's How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Honoring Princess Diana on Their Wedding Day," 5 May 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of sapphire

Middle English safir, from Anglo-French, from Latin sapphirus, from Greek sappheiros, perhaps of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew sappīr sapphire

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

SAPPHIRE Defined for English Language Learners

sapphire

noun

Definition of sapphire for English Language Learners

: a clear, usually deep blue jewel
: a deep blue color

SAPPHIRE Defined for Kids

sapphire

noun sap·phire \ ˈsa-ˌfīr \

Definition of sapphire for Students

: a clear bright blue gemstone

Learn More about sapphire

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

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sapphire

Definition of sapphire

sapphire

Recent Examples of sapphire from the Web

Origin and Etymology of sapphire

SAPPHIRE Defined for English Language Learners

sapphire

Definition of sapphire for English Language Learners

SAPPHIRE Defined for Kids

sapphire

Definition of sapphire for Students

Learn More about sapphire

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