indigo

noun

in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō 

plural indigos or indigoes

1

: a deep reddish blue

2

: indigo plant

3

a

: a blue vat dye obtained from plants (such as indigo plants)

b

: the principal coloring matter C₁₆H₁₀N₂O₂ of natural indigo usually synthesized as a blue powder with a coppery luster

Examples of indigo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Common disagreements are on dates and when certain details like duck canvas and indigo appeared for the first time, or whether brown cotton or hemp were used. —Mohsin Sajid, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025

While an indigo wash typically reads more formal, Edebiri proves light-wash denim is fair game with the right styling. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 Dec. 2025

This set of four waffle fabric towels are available in cilantro, papyrus beige, soft silver, washed indigo, blue linen, and old rose. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025

This unique cooperation between the indigo dye and the solid electrolyte is key to the battery’s performance, enhancing overall capacity beyond the storage potential of either component alone. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian dialect, from Latin indicum, from Greek indikon, from neuter of indikos Indic, from Indos India

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing indigo

• indigo bunting
• indigo plant
• indigo snake
• wild indigo

Rhymes for indigo

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

indigo

noun

in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō 

plural indigos or indigoes

1

: a blue dye made artificially and formerly obtained from plants and especially indigo plants

2

: a deep reddish blue

Etymology

from an Italian dialect word indigo "a blue dye from indigo plants," from Latin indicum (same meaning), derived from Greek indikos (adjective) "of or relating to India"; so called because the plant dye was first widely produced in India

Medical Definition

indigo

noun

in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō 

plural indigos or indigoes

1

a

: a blue dye obtained from indigo plants (as Indigofera tinctoria of Africa and India, I. suffruticosa of South America, and I. arrecta of Arabia and Egypt)

b

: the principal coloring matter C₁₆H₁₀N₂O₂ of natural indigo usually synthesized as a blue powder with a coppery luster

called also indigotin

2

: indigo plant