ruby

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A valuable deep red gemstone, a form of the mineral corundum, used in jewelry.

   Grammar: Can be counted: a ruby, several rubies.

   Patterns

   • a ruby ring
   • set with rubies

   She wore a necklace set with a single large ruby.

   The crown was decorated with rubies and pearls.

   Burmese rubies are among the most prized in the world.

2. 2noununcountable

   A deep, bright red color like that of the gemstone.

   Grammar: Uncountable as a color name: the color of ruby.

   Patterns

   • ruby red

   The sunset turned the lake a glowing ruby.

   Her lipstick was a rich shade of ruby.

   The wine shone ruby in the candlelight.

3. 3adjectivebefore a noun

   Having a deep, bright red color.

   Grammar: Usually comes before a noun: ruby lips, a ruby sky.

   Patterns

   • ruby red something

   He poured a glass of ruby wine.

   The ruby berries stood out against the snow.

   She painted her nails a ruby shade.

Word forms

Common combinations

ruby ring

He gave her a gold ruby ring.

ruby red

The grapefruit has ruby red flesh.

ruby anniversary

They celebrated their ruby anniversary with a trip to Italy.

uncut ruby

An uncut ruby looks rough and dull.

flawless ruby

The museum owns a flawless ruby the size of an egg.

Synonyms and how they differ

gem

Gem is a general word for any precious stone, while ruby names one specific red stone.

crimson

Crimson is a color word with a slightly bluish deep red, while ruby adds a shiny, jewel-like glow.

scarlet

Scarlet is a bright, slightly orange red, whereas ruby is darker and richer.

Word family

ruby red adjective

deep red like a ruby

rubicund adjective

literary word for healthily red in the face

rubies noun

the plural of ruby

Commonly confused: ruby or ruby vs. garnet?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ruby”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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