indigo

[ in-di-goh ]

noun

, plural in·di·gos, in·di·goes.

1. a blue dye obtained from various plants, especially of the genus Indigofera, or manufactured synthetically.
2. indigo blue ( def 2 ).
3. any of numerous hairy plants belonging to the genus Indigofera, of the legume family, having pinnate leaves and clusters of usually red or purple flowers.
4. a color ranging from a deep violet blue to a dark, grayish blue.

adjective

1. Also called indigo-blue, of the color indigo.

indigo

/ ˈɪndɪˌɡəʊ; ˌɪndɪˈɡɒtɪk /

noun

1. Also calledindigotin a blue vat dye originally obtained from plants but now made synthetically
2. any of various tropical plants of the leguminous genus Indigofera, such as the anil, that yield this dye Compare wild indigo
3. 1. any of a group of colours that have the same blue-violet hue; a spectral colour
   2. ( as adjective )

      an indigo carpet

Derived Forms

• indigotic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of indigo¹

1545–55; < Spanish or Portuguese, variant of índico < Latin indicum < Greek indikón, noun use of neuter of Indikós Indic

Word History and Origins

Origin of indigo¹

C16: from Spanish indico, via Latin from Greek Indikos of India

Example Sentences

Through the window of an upper floor office in West Hollywood, the sky changed from cyan to navy and then indigo blue.

From Los Angeles Times

The combined strength of Vistara and Air India could also place the Tatas in a much better position to compete with market leader Indigo.

From BBC

Indigo Young, 18, from Whitland, who also attends sessions, said she valued what such spaces can offer young people.

From BBC

Indigo and Nyarai both sing with the group and will join a UK-wide choir for the Children in Need appeal night on Friday, 15 November.

From BBC

For the first time, POJ Studio will host a pop-up in L.A. where guests can shop items like Hinoki leaf incense, Indigo River noren and Shigaraki dinnerware.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blue-green