# sapphire

/ˈsæfaɪɝ/ (US) · /sˈæfaɪə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sapphire
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the gemstone

noun · CEFR B2

a hard, clear, deep blue stone that is very valuable and used in rings and necklaces.

For teachers: a precious gemstone consisting of a clear, deep blue variety of corundum.

- The engagement ring featured a large sapphire surrounded by small diamonds.
- The crown jewels include a massive, uncut sapphire that has been passed down through the royal family for centuries.

### 2. the colour

noun · CEFR B2

a bright, deep blue colour like the stone.

For teachers: a deep, bright blue colour resembling that of the gemstone.

- The Mediterranean sea was a beautiful shade of sapphire in the morning sun.
- The artist used varying shades of sapphire to capture the depth of the ocean in her latest landscape painting.

### 3. blue-coloured

adjective · CEFR B2 · Literary

having a bright, deep blue colour.

For teachers: possessing a deep blue hue; often used in literary descriptions of eyes or water.

- She looked out at the sapphire sky and felt a sense of peace.
- The poet described the hero's sapphire eyes, which seemed to reflect the intensity of the summer sky.

## Examples

- She wore a beautiful sapphire ring on her finger.
- The jeweler explained that the sapphire's value depends on its clarity and the richness of its blue color.
- The crown jewels are adorned with several large sapphires, each meticulously cut to catch the light and emphasize their natural brilliance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.