ruby

1 of 2

noun

ru·​by ˈrü-bē How to pronounce ruby (audio)
plural rubies
1
a
: a precious stone that is a red corundum
b
: something (such as a watch bearing) made of ruby
2
a
: the dark red color of the ruby
b
: something resembling a ruby in color

ruby

2 of 2

adjective

: of the color ruby

Examples of ruby in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Get Seats to Her Final U.S. Date Sapphires, rubies, emeralds and pearls have their own appeal, but black is, well, black. Jennifer Adams, StyleCaster, 23 Oct. 2024 July: Ruby Bold red rubies look elegant when paired with soft gold tones. Aemilia Madden, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2024
Adjective
Trump won Missouri by 18.5 percentage points and 15.4 percentage points in 2016 and 2020, respectively, solidifying the state’s transformation from perennial bellwether to ruby-red bastion with a grassroots Republican base that is very supportive of the 45th president. David M. Drucker, Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2021 Unlike a lot of sodas out there, Top Note’s made with real ruby-red grapefruit juice, which gives it a vibrant hue. Jeanette Hurt, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023 See all Example Sentences for ruby 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French rubi, rubin, from Medieval Latin rubinus, from Latin rubeus reddish; akin to Latin ruber red — more at red

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruby was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ruby

Cite this Entry

“Ruby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruby. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ruby

1 of 2 noun
ru·​by ˈrü-bē How to pronounce ruby (audio)
plural rubies
1
: a precious stone of a deep red color
2
: the dark red color of the ruby

ruby

2 of 2 adjective
: dark red in color
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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