Pompeian red

or pompeian red

noun

1. a dull, grayish red.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pompeian red¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Black and white mosaics decorate the barracks floors, and frescoes in Pompeian red can be seen on some of the remaining walls.

From The Guardian

Now Soane’s bedroom, bathroom, oratory, book passage and morning room have been gloriously reinstated, right down to the Pompeian red wallpaper.

From New York Times

The church's interior is bathed in a pompeian red light for the early evening concert.

From The Guardian

The groundwork was a rich spinach green with discs of Pompeian red, and the buttons were of brass with his monogram in blue and white enamel in the centre.

From Project Gutenberg

The Procope was refurbished with a vengeance in 1988 -- Pompeian red walls, l8th century oval portraits, crystal chandeliers, flintlock pistols and, for the waiters, quasi-revolutionary uniforms.

From Time Magazine Archive