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

The timepiece features a 17mm rose gold case with an anti-glare sapphire crystal, a white mother-of-pearl dial and quartz movement. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025

The transparent sapphire crystal case back meanwhile acts as a window into a labyrinth of horological parts representing 32 unique patent applications — 16 of which concern its ultra-thin caliber 7135 movement. —Alex Doak, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025

The company’s small vessels weave among islands and narrow fjords, reaching destinations like LeConte, a dramatic tidewater glacier flanked by towering icebergs that can glow sapphire in sunlight. —Uncruise Adventures, AFAR Media, 25 Mar. 2025

The less sober, more fun approach to watch collecting extends beyond buyers’ newfound interest in vintage Rolexes steeped in the brand’s more bohemian vibe—like these groovy styles that Italian Watch Spotter highlighted a few years ago—to modern chronographs bedecked with multicolor sapphires. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 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