carmine

American  

[kahr-min, -mahyn] / ˈkɑr mɪn, -maɪn /

noun

1. a crimson or purplish-red color.

2. a crimson pigment obtained from cochineal.

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carmine British  

/ ˈkɑːmaɪn /

noun

1. 1. a vivid red colour, sometimes with a purplish tinge

   2. ( as adjective )

      carmine paint

2. a pigment of this colour obtained from cochineal

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Etymology

Origin of carmine

1705–15; < French carmin (color), carmine (pigment), Old French; compare Medieval Latin carminium, perhaps blend of carmesīnum ( see crimson) and minium minium

Explanation

Carmine is the color red, but it isn’t just any red — it’s a vivid, rich shade of deep ruby or blood red, like a ripe, juicy tomato, a tasty cherry, or a rich red lipstick. Carmine is a deep red pigment historically made by crushing the dried-out bodies of beetles. This method is still in use, but there are now alternative ways to produce this vibrant red dye, which is commonly used in beauty, fashion, and food products. The term carmine can refer to both the powdered pigment and the color itself. So the next time you encounter a strikingly vivid red — whether in a fabric or a food (like candy or ketchup) — it might just be colored by beetles!

Example Sentences

“The risk of refinancing may be high, especially in a geopolitical context with a lot of variability,” said Carmine Di Noia, the OECD’s director for financial affairs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

The two other victims who died in the crash were the driver of the cable car, named by authorities as 59-year-old Carmine Parlato, and an Israeli woman identified as Janan Suliman.

From BBC • May 21, 2025

After Whitesnake, Sykes formed the group Blue Murder with drummer Carmine Appice of Vanilla Fudge, then launched a solo career; he also toured with a Lynott-less incarnation of Thin Lizzy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2025

A performance by Carmine Caputo di Roccanova at the entrance to the Giardini exhibitions.

From New York Times • Apr. 17, 2024

Brown suitcase in one hand, the other holding Carmine secure, I navigate the high steps into the train unsteadily before Mr. Curran scurries over to take my bag.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline