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
According to The Associated Press, eight objects were taken, including a sapphire diadem, necklace and single earring from a matching set linked to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense.
—
Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The matching necklace, featuring eight sapphires surrounded by diamonds, was also stolen, as well as one of the two earrings in the set.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Among the royal gems that were pinched is a necklace, with eight sapphires and 631 diamonds, and the crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, encrusted with nearly 2,000 diamonds and 212 pearls.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
The piece contains 19 smaller sapphires and 1,083 diamonds, according to the Louvre.
—ABC News, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sapphire
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.
Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The matching necklace, featuring eight sapphires surrounded by diamonds, was also stolen, as well as one of the two earrings in the set.
—Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Among the royal gems that were pinched is a necklace, with eight sapphires and 631 diamonds, and the crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, encrusted with nearly 2,000 diamonds and 212 pearls.
—Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 20 Oct. 2025
The piece contains 19 smaller sapphires and 1,083 diamonds, according to the Louvre.
—ABC News, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sapphire
Cite this Entry
“Sapphire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sapphire. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share