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

Her designs leaned away from the figurative with the Sunset rings, their sizable imperial topaz, yellow sapphire or spinel center stones held in swirls of gold. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 10 July 2025

The brand was founded in 2004 and features an array of gold jewelry with diamonds, opals, sapphires and more, according to the Downtown Naperville Alliance website. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025

Both models share the same case architecture, sapphire crystals front and back, and water resistance rated to 5 bar. —Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

The truck was carrying 73 bags of jewelry including pink sapphires in cushion cuts, deep-blue sapphires showing rare six-pointed stars, emeralds with sizable carat weights, and jade green pendants surrounded by diamonds. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 21 June 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