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.
Dorsey’s best-selling Rivière necklace in 3mm sapphire in sterling silver costs about $645; moissanite (also in sterling silver) is $949; and diamond (in 14-karat white gold) is $9,064. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 The Queen Mother also received a sapphire ring from Prince Albert in 1923, but swapped it out for a pearl sometime in the 1940s. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 Natural and lab-grown diamonds are sturdy enough to hold up to everyday wear, with gems like sapphire and moissanite right behind them. — Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026 Two minutes later, I was shown a two-carat oval pink sapphire. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing sapphire

Browse Nearby Words

sapphic
sapphire
sapphireberry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sapphire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapphire. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on sapphire

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sapphire

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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