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

This comes after Markle recently wore a pair of diamond and sapphire earrings that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, to the David Foster Foundation’s 40th anniversary celebration in Canada. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 7 Sep. 2026

Summer puts a turquoise dial on display, as well as glittering pink sapphires. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2026

Dorsey’s best-selling Rivière necklace in 3mm sapphire in sterling silver costs about $645; moissanite (also in sterling silver) is $949; and diamond (in 14-karat white gold) is $9,064. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

The gap comes from labor cost, clinic overhead and currency, not from a different surgical technique; FUE, DHI and sapphire FUE are performed in all three countries. — Malana Vantyler, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 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