What does ruby mean?
A ruby is a transparent red gemstone whose color comes chiefly from traces of chromium within corundum. Its long association with rarity, wealth, and vivid color has made it a familiar term in jewelry, literature, and descriptions of appearance. The name is also used for a rich, deep red, often slightly purplish shade: “ruby red,” “ruby silk,” and “ruby lips” are natural expressions, while uses such as “ruby slippers” evoke brilliance or glamour. Although “ruby” may suggest a particular gemstone, not every red gemstone is a ruby, and the mineral identity distinguishes it from stones such as garnet. As an adjective, the word often carries a poetic or luxurious implication, particularly when describing lips, wine, or fabric. It is widely understood in British and American English and can be used in both everyday and formal contexts.
A transparent red gemstone consisting chiefly of corundum; by extension, the rich red color associated with the gemstone.
"He chose a ruby for the centerpiece of the ring."
When referring to the color rather than the gemstone, the word is commonly used in phrases such as “ruby red” and “ruby silk.”
Of the color of a ruby; deep red or ruby-red.
"She wore ruby-red velvet to the ceremony."
The adjective is often literary or decorative, though established compound phrases such as “ruby slippers” are fully established.
The standard plural is rubies, used for multiple gemstones or multiple quantities of the color.
"The jeweler mounted three rubies in a gold setting."
Ruby’s name literally points to redness: it comes from a Latin root meaning “red.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ruby come from?
The word entered Middle English through French rubis, which came from Medieval Latin rubinus. Medieval Latin rubinus was derived from Latin ruber, meaning “red,” reflecting the stone’s characteristic color. The same Latin color root also underlies English words such as rubicund, rubric, and rufous.
Related word forms
How ruby is actually used
As a noun, “ruby” is standard for both the gemstone and the color. As an adjective, it is especially common in literary descriptions and established expressions such as “ruby lips” and “ruby slippers.”
Easily confused with ruby
Ruby and garnet are both red gemstones, but ruby is a variety of corundum, whereas garnet belongs to a group of different minerals.