crimson

American  

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

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 British  

/ 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

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; kermes; carmine, cramoisy

Example Sentences

He moved the family business to Encinitas, where he bought 67 acres near the railroad and Interstate 5 and planted so many patented poinsettia plants that passersby were treated to crimson waves come November.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

“It actually doesn’t hurt that much,” Althouse said, as Soria pokes her arm with a needle that was just dipped into a pot of crimson ink.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

Then, covering our hair, we stepped inside and across perfectly hoovered crimson carpets and under chandeliers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

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

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

A thunderclap filled the hall, a light burst like a crimson sun, and the broken weapon fell in pieces to the ground.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

• maroon