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

With each passing day that the jewels remain missing, fears grow that these pieces of French national heritage have been dismantled, their famed emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds cut apart and sold on the black market. — Tessa Solomon For Artnews, Robb Report, 14 July 2026

With each passing day that the jewels remain missing, fears grow that these pieces of French national heritage have been dismantled, their famed emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds cut apart and sold on the black market. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026

One is set with smaller diamonds for a pavé effect, and another was only seen as recently as last year—a sapphire and diamond eternity ring thought to have been given to Kate by William to mark the end of her chemotherapy treatment. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 13 July 2026

Brown-Taher works with a variety of colorful materials including opal, mother of pearl, jade and malachite, and mixes them with diamonds, sapphires and amethysts. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 9 July 2026

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