scarlet letter

noun

1. a scarlet letter “A,” formerly worn by one convicted of adultery.

scarlet letter

noun

1. (esp among US Puritans) a scarlet letter A formerly worn by a person convicted of adultery

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarlet letter¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

“It is far worse than any scarlet letter could ever be,” he added.

From Seattle Times

She equated the episode to being “painted with such a massive scarlet letter.”

From Los Angeles Times

Faculty, staff and other students could also report specific concerns about an individual’s professionalism, resulting in write-ups the contents of which could become attached to their permanent records, following them like scarlet letters.

From New York Times

Listings in these neighborhoods carry a proverbial scarlet letter as Palm Springs becomes a city of rentable homes versus nonrentable homes.

From Seattle Times

“I became worried that despite the inclusive design and urban planning, the project would have a scarlet letter, and residents would become stigmatized before the building even opened,” Pooley said.

From Seattle Times