scarlet

[ skahr-lit ]

noun

1. a bright-red color inclining toward orange.
2. cloth or clothing of this color.

adjective

1. of the color scarlet.
2. flagrantly offensive:

   Their sins were scarlet.

scarlet

/ ˈskɑːlɪt /

noun

1. a vivid red colour, sometimes with an orange tinge
2. cloth or clothing of this colour

adjective

1. of the colour scarlet
2. sinful or immoral, esp unchaste

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarlet¹

1200–50; Middle English < Old French escarlate < Medieval Latin scarlata, scarletum, perhaps < Arabic saqirlāṭ, siqillāṭ < Medieval Greek sigillátos < Latin sigillātus decorated with patterns in relief; sigillate

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarlet¹

C13: from Old French escarlate fine cloth, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Gang tattoos are still inked onto his face, like scarlet letters.

From The Daily Beast

With scarlet lips and chemical red hair, the erstwhile agent is still making headlines in the West.

From The Daily Beast

“I don't know what they want me as a witness for,” he told reporters, whom he received in scarlet pajamas in the hospital.

From The Daily Beast

She confesses that shame “hung around my neck like a scarlet-A albatross.”

From The Daily Beast

The end credit scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier introduces the new Avengers the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver.

From The Daily Beast

Its pages are filled with the purple gowns of kings and the scarlet trappings of the warrior.

From Project Gutenberg

Under the long lashes of low lids a pair of eyes black and insolent set off the haughty lines of her scarlet lips.

From Project Gutenberg

The scarlet calico canopy was again set up over the bed, and the woven cradle, on its red manzanita frame, stood near.

From Project Gutenberg

As she peered into the face of Dr. Ashton, her own was scarlet and yellow, and her voice rose to a shriek.

From Project Gutenberg

It seemed; it truly seemed as if the tide of blue, grey, scarlet specks was submerging the enemy's strongholds.

From Project Gutenberg