crimson

[ krim-zuhn, -suhn ]

adjective

1. deep purplish-red.
2. sanguinary.

noun

1. a crimson color, pigment, or dye.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become crimson.

crimson

/ ˈkrɪmzən /

noun

1. 1. a deep or vivid red colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      a crimson rose

verb

1. to make or become crimson
2. intr to blush

Derived Forms

• ˈcrimsonness, noun

Other Words From

• crimson·ly adverb
• crimson·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of crimson¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English cremesin, cremesie, crensein, crim(e)sin, from Medieval Latin cremesīnus, ultimately from Arabic qirmizī, equivalent to qirmiz + -ī a suffix indicating relationship or origin; kermes; carmine, cramoisy

Word History and Origins

Origin of crimson¹

C14: from Old Spanish cremesin, from Arabic qirmizi red of the kermes, from qirmiz kermes

Example Sentences

“I like decorating my slaves,” she said, referencing the rope, her thin, crimson-coated lips peeling off her front teeth.

From The Daily Beast

Try Nebraska, South Dakota, Alaska, and Arkansas; what you might call a crimson tide.

From The Daily Beast

As the Harvard Crimson noted, Byrne “had been bearing the brunt of the Harvard attack” all afternoon.

From The Daily Beast

And the next film I saw you in was the very first R-rated film I saw in theaters: Crimson Tide.

From The Daily Beast

In Crimson Room, players awoke in an unfamiliar room with no way of knowing how to escape.

From The Daily Beast

A burning crimson flushed over the cheek of Wharton, as Louis uttered this ardent appeal to friendship and to Heaven.

From Project Gutenberg

Large divans of the richest crimson and violet brocades lined the walls, while ample curtains of the same served in lieu of doors.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, a deep, wide stain showed crimson upon the bandages in which he had swathed his hand.

From Project Gutenberg

In the clear light of a window at the woman's back, her hair, with a groundwork of crimson, was overshot with iridescent lights.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of the officials had on high-crowned hats decorated with bunches of feathers and crimson tassels.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• maroon