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

With its 36 baguette-cut, rainbow-sapphire sapphires, 56 brilliant-cut diamonds and its celebrity status, the Daytona Rainbow has a resale price of anywhere between $300,000-plus to over $526,000 on FarFetch. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

The prosecutor said investigators have not given up on recovering the jewels, which include diamond and pearl tiaras, emerald and sapphire necklaces, and other items from a collection of Emperor Napoleon and his wives. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 25 Nov. 2025

The smaller bee brooch also featured sapphires and diamonds, evoking an official color palette for Queen Camilla’s royal attire. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 2025

Among the items stolen were an emerald necklace set with more than 1,000 diamonds that Napoleon gifted to his second wife, and a diamond and sapphire jewelry set worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense. —John Miller, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025

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