scarlet

[skahr-lit]

noun

1. a bright-red color inclining toward orange.

2. cloth or clothing of this color.

adjective

1. of the color scarlet.

2. flagrantly offensive.

   Their sins were scarlet.

scarlet

/ ˈskɑːlɪt /

noun

1. a vivid red colour, sometimes with an orange tinge

2. cloth or clothing of this colour

adjective

1. of the colour scarlet

2. sinful or immoral, esp unchaste

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarlet¹

1200–50; Middle English < Old French escarlate < Medieval Latin scarlata, scarletum, perhaps < Arabic saqirlāṭ, siqillāṭ < Medieval Greek sigillátos < Latin sigillātus decorated with patterns in relief; sigillate

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarlet¹

C13: from Old French escarlate fine cloth, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

This region shelters not only migratory songbirds but also jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws.

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Fans on X mentioned similarities between the Grammy-winning artist's tours, with one posting: "No shade the Vie tour just gives scarlet with different outfits."

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Sparkling scarlet wires are wrapped tightly around me, restricting any movement.

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The boys’ faces and hands were scarlet with paprika.

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She could feel its hot, panting breath and see the scarlet roof of its toothy mouth.

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Related Words

• cardinal 
• coral 
• crimson 
• flaming 
• glowing 
• maroon 
• rose 
• wine