azure

[azh-er]

adjective

1. of or having a light, purplish shade of blue, like that of a clear and unclouded sky.

2. Heraldry.,  of the tincture or color blue.

noun

1. the blue of a clear or unclouded sky.

2. a light, purplish blue.

3. Heraldry.,  the tincture or color blue.

4. the clear, cloudless sky.

azure

/ ˈæʒə, ˈeɪ-, -ʒʊə /

noun

1. a deep blue, occasionally somewhat purple, similar to the colour of a clear blue sky

2. poetic,  a clear blue sky

adjective

1. of the colour azure; serene

2. (usually postpositive) heraldry of the colour blue

Word History and Origins

Origin of azure¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English asure, from Anglo-French, Old French, ultimately alteration of Arabic al-lazuwar(d) (by misdividing the initial l together with the article), from Persian lāzhuward “lapis lazuli,” perhaps from Sanskrit rājāvarta

Word History and Origins

Origin of azure¹

C14: from Old French azur, from Old Spanish, from Arabic lāzaward lapis lazuli, from Persian lāzhuward

Example Sentences

Joseph’s family held a small service for him in a church overlooking the Caribbean’s azure waters.

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Just east of Bali, Lombok boasts the same azure beaches and stunning views as its famous neighbour, but without the exasperating crowds.

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He painted clouds drifting through azure skies, then tore them up and reassembled the heavens to his liking.

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However, it could be anywhere, backed as it is by just a smooth azure sky without any shred of identifying landscape.

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Mauve mountain peaks jut into the azure sky at the horizon.

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