crimson

American  

[krim-zuhn, -suhn] / ˈkrɪm zən, -sən /

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 British  

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• crimsonly adverb
• crimsonness noun

Etymology

Origin of crimson

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; see origin at kermes; see also carmine, cramoisy

Explanation

Crimson is a deep, vivid shade of red. You could describe flowers, blood, or blushing cheeks as crimson. The ruby red color crimson shows up brilliantly in nature, in the form of flowers, birds, and insects. In fact, it was an insect that led to the word crimson in the first place; an insect called kermes was used for centuries to make a deep red dye, which was called cremesin in Old Spanish and eventually became crimson.

Example Sentences

Open the door to the theater, and discover a place of urban enchantment, where a red velvet door and crimson wallpaper beckon guests to come closer and sit inside.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

Hints of pink eye shadow, dark eyeliner, red pigmented eyebrows and crimson lipstick complete the transformation — the next “national treasure” has taken the stage.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

We next enter a fictive chapel, with the Latin rite being celebrated by a set of crimson vestments and an altar cloth, made in Paris in 1619 and given by Louis XIII.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

Shrouded in crimson robes, prayer beads moving rhythmically past his fingers, the monk walks towards us.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

“Call,” I would say, watching dawn break crimson over the Chesapeake Bay, “I hope I have a sky like this the day I get married.”

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson

Related Words

• maroon