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

Now, collectors are looking beyond diamonds to stones like rubies, sapphires and emeralds. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026

The Princess of Wales paired the tiara with what is believed to be a bespoke chiffon forest green gown by Andrew Gn, a Jenny Peckham silver clutch, and Queen Elizabeth’s sapphire tassel earrings. —Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026

In 2010, William proposed to his longtime girlfriend with the sapphire ring that had first been his mother Princess Diana’s. —Christopher Luu, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026

But a majority of the items are rock & roll memorabilia, like Ringo Starr’s blue sapphire pinky ring (purchased for $120,650) and Jim Morrison’s 1969 notebook ($266,700). —Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 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