Blu-ray

American

[bloo-rey] / ˈbluˌreɪ /

Trademark.

an optical disk or an optical disk format for the storage of high-definition video and audio, having a much larger capacity than a DVD.

video games on Blu-ray; Blu-ray movies.

Blu-ray British

noun

an optical disk used to store digital information such as high-definition video, and able to store more information than a standard DVD

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Blu-ray

Blu-, respelling of blue (from the blue-violet laser used to read the disk) + (optical) ray

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Three years ago, Kino Lorber released a modest but inviting set on Blu-ray of just such description, plainly titled “French Noir Collection” and containing three obscure movies stunningly restored in 2K.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

Today, only the updated versions are available on official streaming platforms and Blu-ray, making screenings of the film's original cut rare.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2025

The Blu-ray and DVD versions of the movie will also be available to purchase on Feb. 4.

From Salon • Dec. 26, 2024

But when the Challengers Blu-ray was announced on May 16, it included no bonus content—it’s not even being released in 4K.

From Slate • Jun. 19, 2024

But Bernstein’s career happens to have been very well documented on recording and video, and nearly all of it remains readily available on vinyl, CD, DVD, Blu-ray and streaming.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023