sapphire

noun

sap·​phire ˈsa-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce sapphire (audio)
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
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.
Set into rugged, textured silver, a rainbow mix of faceted and polished sapphires, tourmalines and turquoises mark the hours in the 36mm watch case. Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 The design on each clip is similar yet slightly unique, with one clip centering on a mauve sapphire and the other swirling around a pink sapphire. Jessica Rendall, Space.com, 4 June 2025 Each stone of the necklace was surrounded by an arrangement of green beryl, aquamarine, tourmaline, sapphire, diamond, paraibas and tsavorite (green garnet) on 18K gold. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 26 May 2025 The highlight of the Bouquet des Roses necklace is a 13.57-carat oval-cut pink sapphire from Madagascar, framed by white and yellow diamonds, pink sapphires, spinels and doublet fiery opals. Nazanin Lankarani, New York Times, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sapphire

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sapphire was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sapphire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapphire. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sapphire

noun
sap·​phire ˈsaf-ˌī(ə)r How to pronounce sapphire (audio)
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

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