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; kermes; carmine, cramoisy

Example Sentences

Open the door to the theater, and discover a place of urban enchantment, where a red velvet door and crimson wallpaper beckon guests to come closer and sit inside.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

“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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025

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

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

“Call,” I would say, watching dawn break crimson over the Chesapeake Bay, “I hope I have a sky like this the day I get married.”

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson

Related Words

• maroon