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

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

“At first I thought it was a joke, but everyone else was getting them. People were texting, posting on their stories, saying they got them,” Ms Welch told The Crimson White.

From BBC

Bradley, a two-time national champion at Alabama, and Nikki, a forward for the Crimson Tide basketball team, started by cold-calling schools near Tuscaloosa.

From Los Angeles Times

Mater Dei grads Domani Jackson and Zabien Brown are already playing in the Crimson Tide secondary.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• maroon