azure

American  

[azh-er] / ˈæʒ ər /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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adjective

1. of the colour azure; serene

2. (usually postpositive) heraldry of the colour blue

Etymology

Origin of azure

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC