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

Other Word Forms

• crimsonly adverb
• crimsonness 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

Shrouded in crimson robes, prayer beads moving rhythmically past his fingers, the monk walks towards us.

From BBC

Annie did an interview on her "charity work" with the Aberdeen Evening News, turning up at a hotel in Portree in a striking crimson dressing gown and fingers adorned with jewelled rings.

From BBC

Nine keys are kept in a crimson velvet bag, but only one will open the box.

From BBC

“Red dye? Try watermelon juice or beet juice,” FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said at the media event, holding up a jar of crimson liquid.

From Los Angeles Times

She washed the Aqua Net from her crimson locks, took off the bustier and returned to her piano.

From Salon

Related Words

• maroon