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

His love of fashion comes from his mother, who was shining in an indigo ensemble as his plus-one at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards. —Kory Jarvis, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024

Even though Kat spends most of the movie a cynic, the costuming still managed to break through her tough exterior and show off her soft spot with her classic prom dress: an indigo number with a matching shawl and a string of pearls. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2024

The medium indigo wash most closely emulates Turner’s pants, but these are also available in other colors, including black and white. —Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024

The experiment didn’t get too far; the emergence of King Cotton put a damper on tea, rice, indigo and other crops. —Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

Try the style for yourself while this Spanx pair in vintage indigo is on sale. —Nicola Fumo, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024

While shibori is the Japanese term, the indigo dyeing technique has also long existed in the likes of China, India, and western Africa. —Emily Chan, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2024

The other was a layered outfit consisting of what looked like two button-up shirts and a vest, as well as indigo trousers and oxford shoes. —Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 19 Jan. 2024

This deep indigo pair is all about what’s behind the seams, which is a proprietary slimming panel for anyone who wants denim with tummy control. —Paula Lee, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2024

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

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. anil of South America, and I. auriculata 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