mauve

American  

[mohv] / moʊv /

noun

1. a pale bluish purple.

2. a purple dye obtained from aniline, discovered in 1856: the first of the coal-tar dyes.

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adjective

1. of the color of mauve.

   a mauve dress.

mauve British  

/ məʊv /

noun

1. 1. any of various pale to moderate pinkish-purple or bluish-purple colours

   2. ( as adjective )

      a mauve flower

2. Also called: Perkin's mauve.   mauveine.  a reddish-purple aniline dye

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Etymology

Origin of mauve

1855–60; < French: literally, mallow < Latin malva mallow

Example Sentences

Her lips are a neutral dusty mauve, her bass guitar a lustrous red.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

Scientists and amateur naturalists have observed a remarkable range of species not usually widespread in UK waters, including octopus, bluefin tuna and mauve stinger jellyfish.

From BBC • Aug. 10, 2025

She also made one for herself in something of a mauve color that my sister has and which she gave to me first thing after the fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2025

The color green will add an unexpected “pop of color” when paired with black and mauve.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2024

Now Charna hustles toward me in mauve leather, clanking with ersatz gold.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood