sapphire

noun

sap·​phire ˈsa-ˌfī(-ə)r 

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

sapphire adjective

Examples of sapphire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The short iPhone Pocket is available in lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock (teal), sapphire, cinnamon and black. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

Catherine also wore her sapphire engagement ring, a piece that famously once belonged to Diana. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025

Angara sources its sapphires from Sri Lanka (20% tariff), rubies from Mozambique (15% tariff), emeralds from Zambia (15%) and Colombia (10%), and opals from Australia (10%). —Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025

That’s the end of the use of acrylic crystals, which are more domed and easier to scratch than sapphire. —The Editors, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sapphire

• star sapphire
• water sapphire

Kids Definition

sapphire

noun

sap·​phire ˈsaf-ˌī(ə)r 

1

: a clear bright blue precious stone

2

: a deep purplish blue

sapphire adjective

Etymology

Middle English safir "sapphire," from early French safir (same meaning), from Latin sapphirus "sapphire," from Greek sappheiros (same meaning), perhaps of Semitic origin