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

For Season 1 of “Based on a True Story,” I purposely had a crimson blood red color.

From Los Angeles Times

Far from all Londoners falling back on dull neutrals, Durran found red was “in the fashion ether at the time”; makeup designer Naomi Donne also goes crimson for Rita’s lipstick.

From Los Angeles Times

He shooed the wasps away as he inspected a crimson smear on the rubble.

From Los Angeles Times

And one of last year’s bloomers, named Stankosaurus Rex for its massive 8-foot height, is now fruiting, so it looks like a tall upright club covered with plump crimson orbs.

From Los Angeles Times

Short of washing his mouth out with soap, Marvel head boss Kevin Feige has instead crowned the crimson crank the official clown prince of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — but only under strict supervision.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• maroon