ruby

1 of 2

noun

ru·​by ˈrü-bē 

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 rainbow color palette was delectable, from yellows and ruby reds to greens and oranges, with touches of brown. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 18 June 2024

In the movie, the ruby slippers and a wish got Dorothy back to Kansas. —NPR, 18 June 2024

Adjective

Trump won Missouri by 18.5 percentage points and 15.4 percentage points in 2016 and 2020, respectively, solidifying the state’s transformation from perennial bellwether to ruby-red bastion with a grassroots Republican base that is very supportive of the 45th president. —David M. Drucker, Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2021

Unlike a lot of sodas out there, Top Note’s made with real ruby-red grapefruit juice, which gives it a vibrant hue. —Jeanette Hurt, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023

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

Phrases Containing ruby

• ruby glass
• ruby spinel
• ruby-throated hummingbird

Kids Definition

ruby

1 of 2 noun

ru·​by ˈrü-bē 

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