ruby

¹ American  

[roo-bee] / ˈru bi /

noun

plural

rubies

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. Digital Technology. Ruby, 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 American  

[roo-bee] / ˈru bi /

noun

1. a female given name.

---

ruby British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ 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

---

Usage

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. 

Other Word Forms

• ruby-like adjective
• rubylike adjective

Etymology

Origin of ruby

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

Example Sentences

I was wearing my best armor: a black dress that accentuated my curves, a striped bolero to cover the arms I’ve resented for years and black platform sandals displaying ruby toes.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

“It’s ruby red with four golden stamens,” her mother replies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

Somewhere between the eggplants and the onions, she disappeared behind a door and emerged with a perfect ruby orb.

From Salon • Sep. 14, 2025

Mr and Mrs Maher had been on a holiday to America to celebrate their ruby wedding for three weeks.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2025

A gold-and-enamel lapel pin adorned with a ruby was to be bestowed upon her at the center’s annual awards ceremony, which recognized employees hitting milestones of service with the center.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Related Words

• cardinal
• coral
• crimson
• flaming
• glowing
• maroon
• rose
• wine