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

Adding more drama to the look, a flowing sapphire blue scarf was attached to the dress and draped around the musician. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026

Lesage, like some replicas of the sapphire parure from Queen Marie-Amélie of France, whose parts were stolen in the dramatic robbery last October. —Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026

The Princess of Wales also wore her sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which once belonged to Princess Diana. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 27 Jan. 2026

Ruby and sapphire mining began in the area in 1870, once rubies were discovered in the corundum mines. —Trudy Haywood Saunders, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 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