crimson

American  

[krim-zuhn, -suhn] / ˈkrɪm zən, -sən /

adjective

1. deep purplish-red.

2. sanguinary.

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noun

1. a crimson color, pigment, or dye.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become crimson.

crimson British  

/ ˈkrɪmzən /

noun

1. 1. a deep or vivid red colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      a crimson rose

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verb

1. to make or become crimson

2. (intr) to blush

Other Word Forms

• crimsonly adverb
• crimsonness noun

Etymology

Origin of crimson

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; see origin at kermes; see also carmine, cramoisy

Explanation

Crimson is a deep, vivid shade of red. You could describe flowers, blood, or blushing cheeks as crimson. The ruby red color crimson shows up brilliantly in nature, in the form of flowers, birds, and insects. In fact, it was an insect that led to the word crimson in the first place; an insect called kermes was used for centuries to make a deep red dye, which was called cremesin in Old Spanish and eventually became crimson.

Example Sentences

Hints of pink eye shadow, dark eyeliner, red pigmented eyebrows and crimson lipstick complete the transformation — the next “national treasure” has taken the stage.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

But by now in early January those crimson leaves are probably already looking crumpled.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

Up close, the bright crimson relief-sculpture is revealed to feature hand-brushed red enamel paint over paper.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

A TV helicopter hovered too low, kicking up a crimson plume of dirt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

He eventually lets you up, and that’s when, upon tossing the covers off, you notice the little bloom of crimson on Coop’s light blue sheet.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

Related Words

• maroon