crimson

1 of 3

noun

crim·​son ˈkrim-zən How to pronounce crimson (audio)
: any of several deep purplish reds

crimson

2 of 3

adjective

: of the color crimson

crimson

3 of 3

verb

crimsoned; crimsoning; crimsons

transitive verb

: to make crimson

intransitive verb

: to become crimson
especially : blush

Examples of crimson in a Sentence

Verb he crimsoned the minute he realized the foolishness of what he'd said
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Related Articles The winter 2025 collection includes seamless designs in colors like crimson and cream, launching Dec. 3, with Forest Green debuting on Dec 12. Maggie Clancy, WWD, 3 Dec. 2024 Bordeaux red and orange-toned crimson are replacing cherry red, which Becker said is beginning to feel tired and overdone. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Photo: Getty Images While celebrity society seems to have evolved past the most literal musings of method dressing on press tours, Sweeney and Dickson intelligently play with the concept of the scarlet woman with these dramatic, crimson looks. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 June 2025 Ann, her hair short, her jacket and ankle boots a crimson power statement, remained seated during the 90-minute show. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Verb
The paddle took me along this tranquil, ambling waterway, littered with sea hibiscus flowers in various stages of their daily transition from pale yellow to crimson. Naomi Tomky, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2025 Rhubarb is primarily depicted in various shades of red, but depending on the variety, its color can range from pale green to crimson. Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for crimson

Word History

Etymology

Noun, Adjective, and Verb

Middle English crimisin, from Old Spanish cremesín, from Arabic qirmizī, from qirmiz kermes

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1609, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of crimson was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Crimson.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crimson. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

crimson

1 of 2 noun
crim·​son ˈkrim-zən How to pronounce crimson (audio)
: a deep purplish red
crimson adjective

crimson

2 of 2 verb
: to make or become crimson

More from Merriam-Webster on crimson

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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