ruby

¹

[ roo-bee ]

noun

, plural ru·bies.

1. a red variety of corundum, used as a gem.
2. something made of this stone or one of its imitations, as a bearing in a watch.
3. a deep-red port wine.
4. deep red; carmine.
5. Ruby, Digital Technology. an open-source, high-level programming language that is purely object-oriented.
6. British Printing. a 5½-point type, nearly corresponding in size to American agate.

adjective

1. ruby-colored:

   ruby lips.

2. containing or set or adorned with a ruby or rubies:

   a ruby necklace.

Ruby

²

[ roo-bee ]

noun

1. a female given name.

ruby

/ ˈruːbɪ /

noun

1. a deep red transparent precious variety of corundum: occurs naturally in Myanmar and Sri Lanka but is also synthesized. It is used as a gemstone, in lasers, and for bearings and rollers in watchmaking. Formula: Al 2 O 3
2. 1. the deep-red colour of a ruby
   2. ( as adjective )

      ruby lips

3. 1. something resembling, made of, or containing a ruby
   2. ( as modifier )

      ruby necklace

4. modifier denoting a fortieth anniversary

   our ruby wedding

5. (formerly) a size of printer's type approximately equal to 5 1 2 point

ruby

/ ro̅o̅′bē /

1. A deep-red, translucent variety of the mineral corundum, containing small amounts of chromium and valued as a gem.
2. Compare sapphire

Derived Forms

• ˈruby-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• ruby·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruby¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English noun rubi from Old French, from Old Provençal robi(n) , from Medieval Latin rubīnus (lapis) “red (stone),” derivative of Latin ruber, rubeus red ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruby¹

C14: from Old French rubi , from Latin rubeus reddish, from ruber red

Example Sentences

The last decade has seen the Buckeye State go from purple to ruby red, with Ohioans electing Trump by over eight points in the last two presidential contests.

From Salon

A university lecturer has successfully grown a full-size ruby from a tiny offcut in what is believed to be a world-first process.

From BBC

He says we will see brightly coloured gemstones like rubies, emeralds, and sapphires take the spotlight and "a lot of asymmetrical designs and chunky, unconventional shapes".

From BBC

Mozambique is rich in natural resources - thanks to large offshore gas reserves, ruby mines and more.

From BBC

Rosé wine, "ruby chocolate", pink salt from the Himalayas…

From Salon

More About Ruby

What does ruby mean?

A ruby is a transparent red gemstone. Rubies are one of the most well-known gemstones, along with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.

They are classified as precious gems, meaning that they have a high commercial value. Rubies are quite rare and are considered one of the most valuable gems. Besides diamond, ruby is one of the hardest known natural substances.

The ruby is the traditional birthstone for the month of July. It is associated with the zodiac signs Capricorn and Leo.

The word ruby is also used to refer to a jewel-toned red color or describe things that are that color. The word is often used in the term ruby red, as in Look at that ruby red sports car! 

The word ruby is sometimes used to describe a 40-year anniversary, as in It’s my parents’ ruby anniversary this year—I can’t believe they’ve been married for 40 years!

Ruby is also a given name, traditionally a female one.

It’s also the name of a programming language.

Example: The ring features a large ruby surrounded by diamonds. 

Where does ruby come from?

The first records of the word ruby come from the 1300s. It comes from the Medieval Latin rubīnus (lapis), meaning “red (stone).” It ultimately derives from the Latin ruber or rubeus, meaning “red.”

Rubies are a red variety of the mineral corundum, a form of aluminum oxide. Traces of chromium and other minerals are responsible for its brilliant red coloring. (Sapphires are a blue variety of corundum.)

Historically, rubies have been mined primarily in Myanmar and Sri Lanka, though they can be found in other places. Some rubies are synthetic, meaning they are manufactured in a lab.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for ruby?

• carmine

What are some words that share a root or word element with ruby? 

• red
• ruby laser
• ruby-throated hummingbird

What are some words that often get used in discussing ruby?

• red
• precious
• gem
• gemstone
• birthstone
• diamond
• emerald
• sapphire
• slippers
• anniversary

How is ruby used in real life?

Rubies are one of the most well-known gems. The word ruby is often used to describe things that are a deep, jewel-toned red, especially in the term ruby red.

Bryce proposed with a gorgeous ruby ring. ruby is my birthstone. he understood the assignment entirely 🥰💖

— della mescudi (@spicydells) June 8, 2021

A treasure chest filled with gold, rubies, emeralds and diamonds has been found in the Rocky Mountains, the collector who hid the prize a decade ago sayshttps://t.co/fDw6rsUOHY

— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) June 8, 2020

Strawberry season only lasts from mid-June to early July. Here are four farms to visit for picking these delicious ruby red berries. https://t.co/WlREqOBo5z pic.twitter.com/Fr71V88PrI

— Rhode Island Monthly (@RIMonthly) June 14, 2021

Try using ruby!

True or False?

Rubies and sapphires are different varieties of the mineral corundum.