sapphire

noun sap·phire \ ˈsa-ˌfī(-ə)r \

Updated on: 22 Apr 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

The brand is known for its use of unorthodox materials, from earrings made of pebbles and sapphires to bracelets formed from moonstone, aluminum, and nutwood.

— rebecca ramsey, The Cut, "These Hemmerle Earrings Offer a Sweet Optical Illusion," 5 Apr. 2018
The orange and blue part of the logo is made from sapphires.

— matt young, Houston Chronicle, "Astros World Series rings have 214 diamonds, 25 sapphires," 3 Apr. 2018
Pink sapphires in pink gold are a fresh spring take on fine jewelry from Los Angeles brand Alexandra Jules.

— kavita daswani, latimes.com, "Spruce up your spring wardrobe with these standout fashion and beauty items," 22 Mar. 2018
Her stunning engagement ring is a sight to behold, consisting of 14 solitaire diamonds surrounding a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire set in 18-karat white gold.

— erin hill, PEOPLE.com, "The Real Reason Kate Middleton Didn't Wear Her Engagement Ring Today," 17 Jan. 2018
This year the brand also became the very first to successfully create coloured sapphire crystal timepieces and this blue model is nothing less than majestic.

— wei koh, A-LIST, "How the Watch Industry Plundered the Periodic Table," 3 Apr. 2018
This holds true for large, rare diamonds — or rubies or sapphires, for that matter.

— paul sullivan, New York Times, "A Battle Over Diamonds: Made by Nature or in a Lab?," 9 Feb. 2018
Among the new creations is the Hopi hummingbird ring in diamonds and yellow sapphires with emerald eyes and a large beryl.

— Vogue, "Charlotte Chesnais’s Emerald Solitaire, and All the Highlights from the Couture Jewelry Presentations," 26 Jan. 2018
Photo: Vacheron Constantin Hublot spent millions of dollars on machines that carve components out of sapphire crystal—a lab-grown compound that’s one of the hardest materials on Earth.

— matthew dalton, WSJ, "Is Time Running Out for the Swiss Watch Industry?," 12 Mar. 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

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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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