violet

noun

vi·​o·​let ˈvī-(ə-)lət 

1

a

: any of a genus (Viola of the family Violaceae, the violet family) of chiefly herbs with alternate stipulate leaves and showy flowers in spring and often cleistogamous flowers in summer

especially : one with smaller usually solid-colored flowers as distinguished from the usually larger-flowered violas and pansies

b

: any of several plants of genera other than that of the violet compare dogtooth violet

2

: any of a group of colors of reddish-blue hue, low lightness, and medium saturation

Illustration of violet

• violet 1a

Examples of violet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Complemented by hints of jasmine and violet, Strawberry Letter evolved on my skin to reveal layers of complexity and depth that linger on the skin long after the initial spritz, without smelling overly sweet or syrupy. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Apr. 2024

The fourth flavor, Supermoon, is a retired flavor that’s returning to scoop shops and pints, known for having a cereal milk flavor with marshmallows, candied violet and plenty of glittery moon dust. —Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Crowding the shelves of boutiques and pharmacies are perfumes that smell like Calabrian citron, rhubarb and violet. —Molly Young, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024

The hooded sweatshirt is available in sizes S–XXL and in 13 colors including violet and mauve. —Monica Bell, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024

With proper care, your African violets may bloom year-round. —Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2024

Ruby Ports are deep red to violet in color, with aromas of blueberry, cherry, and cassis. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2023

This earthy, woody scent features a balanced blend of cannabis accord, patchouli, and violets. —Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 22 Nov. 2023

Some examples of alteratives include nettle, dandelion leaf and root, burdock root, violet, calendula, and red clover. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, from viole "the violet flower" (going back to Latin viola "any of various spring flowers, as Viola odorata," derivative of a base vi- of Mediterranean substratal origin, as also Greek íon "the color violet") + -et -et entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing violet

• African violet
• bird's-foot violet
• crystal violet
• dogtooth violet
• gentian violet
• shrinking violet

Kids Definition

violet

noun

vi·​o·​let ˈvī-ə-lət 

1

a

: any of a genus of mostly herbs that often produce showy fragrant flowers in the spring and small closed self-pollinated flowers without petals in the summer

b

: any of several plants of other genera compare dogtooth violet

2

: a reddish blue