lapis lazuli

American  

[lap-is laz-oo-lee, -lahy, laz-yoo-, lazh-oo-] / ˈlæp ɪs ˈlæz ʊ li, -ˌlaɪ, ˈlæz yʊ-, ˈlæʒ ʊ- /

noun

1. a deep-blue mineral composed mainly of lazurite with smaller quantities of other minerals, used mainly as a gem or as a pigment.

2. a sky-blue color; azure.

---

lapis lazuli British  

/ ˈlæpɪs /

noun

1. a brilliant blue variety of the mineral lazurite, used as a gemstone

2. the deep blue colour of lapis lazuli

---

Etymology

Origin of lapis lazuli

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin, equivalent to Latin lapis “stone” + Medieval Latin lazulī, genitive of lazulum “lapis lazuli”; azure

Example Sentences

The boy king's gold-covered sarcophagus and his burial mask, inlaid with lapis lazuli, will take centre stage at Saturday's opening.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

The gothic-style brooch — composed of silver, lapis lazuli, malachite and coral — is now by far the most prized piece in her modest collection.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 19, 2024

Moreover, could it have functioned as a sacred cemetery for nomadic travellers, considering that the closest source of lapis lazuli found in these graves likely traces back to distant Afghanistan?

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2023

He claims to be the first Chinese trader to bring lapis lazuli to Beijing, the semiprecious blue gemstone for which Afghanistan is famous.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2022

However, at that moment, its fur was now as blue as the lapis lazuli powder it was covered in.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el