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

Following the Russian Revolution, the Romanov collection was sold off by the Soviets in the 1920s, after which this sapphire was acquired by a socialite named Ganna Walska in 1927, said Sotheby’s. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2026

But some of these jewels have more interesting and complex back-stories, including brooches that were remade into crowns, sapphires and pearls bought from Russian royals, and even a necklace crafted from a sword hilt. — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 3 Nov. 2026

Boscono, clad in sophisticated cocktail attire, sports pieces from the Margherita and Mimosa collections, including a high jewelry set comprising a white gold necklace and earrings decked in diamonds, sapphires and opals. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

At the far end of the pebbly, black-sand beach, the limestone mountain Mésa Vounó rose above a handful of swimmers, some taking turns jumping from its rocky outcrops into the sapphire waters of the Aegean. — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 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