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 The dial makers used medical tools to create some of the curved shapes, and some areas of the sapphire were given a matt finish to create the sail effect. Carol Bresler, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 Quan also sported some of the best jewelry at the 2024 Oscars, a vintage Cartier Tradition Chevron clip from 1938 crafted with sapphires and diamonds. Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 Chopard’s Temptations Collection linear earrings with pink sapphires with amethyst drops. Beth Bernstein, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Aside from a few vibrant sculptures, most of the color comes from the bottles behind the bar, Curaçao and absinthe glistening like translucent sapphires and emeralds. The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2024 The movement of these watches is the in-house built, hand-wound Alpha caliber, visible through an optional sapphire crystal caseback. Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Transplants adore the island's quiet beaches, which are bounded by rolling dunes and sapphire waves. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024 From aboard their ship off the coast of Chile, scientists piloted a research vessel into the sapphire depths. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2024 The deep V-neck of the dress gave Lipa a chance to show off a stunning statement necklace from Tiffany & Co.'s 2023 Blue Book Collection, which is shaped like two fish meeting in the middle at an orange sapphire stone. Glamour, 4 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sapphire.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near sapphire

Cite this Entry

“Sapphire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapphire. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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