ruby

1 of 2

noun

ru·​by ˈrü-bē How to pronounce ruby (audio)
plural rubies
1
a
: a precious stone that is a red corundum
b
: something (such as a watch bearing) made of ruby
2
a
: the dark red color of the ruby
b
: something resembling a ruby in color

ruby

2 of 2

adjective

: of the color ruby

Examples of ruby in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The actress, 26, attended the movie premiere of Motel Destino on Wednesday, May 22, wearing a striking ruby necklace. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024 Scout your local farmers market for ruby stalks that are firm, unbent, and bruise-free. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 23 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for ruby 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ruby.' 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

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French rubi, rubin, from Medieval Latin rubinus, from Latin rubeus reddish; akin to Latin ruber red — more at red

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruby was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ruby

Cite this Entry

“Ruby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruby. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

ruby

1 of 2 noun
ru·​by ˈrü-bē How to pronounce ruby (audio)
plural rubies
1
: a precious stone of a deep red color
2
: the dark red color of the ruby

ruby

2 of 2 adjective
: dark red in color
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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