crimson

American  

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

adjective

1. deep purplish-red.

2. sanguinary.

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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

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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; kermes; carmine, cramoisy

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

“It actually doesn’t hurt that much,” Althouse said, as Soria pokes her arm with a needle that was just dipped into a pot of crimson ink.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

A sea of yellow—ocher, dandelion, goldenrod—seems to support a single tree backed by a dark vacuum, but as our eyes adjust, we realize a barn in deepest alizarin crimson dominates the scene.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

Annie did an interview on her "charity work" with the Aberdeen Evening News, turning up at a hotel in Portree in a striking crimson dressing gown and fingers adorned with jewelled rings.

From BBC • May 22, 2025

Down the street, a firecracker sprayed crimson sparks across the sky.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

• maroon