crimson

1 of 3

noun

crim·​son ˈkrim-zən 

: any of several deep purplish reds

crimson

2 of 3

adjective

: of the color crimson

crimson

3 of 3

verb

crimsoned; crimsoning; crimsons

transitive verb

: to make crimson

intransitive verb

: to become crimson

especially : blush

Synonyms of crimson

Verb

• blush
• glow
• flush

Examples of crimson in a Sentence

Verb

he crimsoned the minute he realized the foolishness of what he'd said

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The ladder James caught the ball 3 yards short of the first-down marker and faced a wall of crimson jerseys. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2026

One look paired a classic blue poplin shirt with an embellished crimson skirt. — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Her trademark curls were nowhere to be seen, instead replaced by a pin-straight style in a vivid shade of crimson red, crafted by hairstylist Virginie Pineda. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 Oct. 2026

The deep crimson drapes, white tablecloths, and understated gold accents at T’ang evoke a lavish Chinese mansion. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026

Verb

Riding the rails gives you time to slow down and look at the canopy’s changing hues, from chartreuse to crimson. — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025

Rhubarb is primarily depicted in various shades of red, but depending on the variety, its color can range from pale green to crimson. — Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun, Adjective, and Verb

Middle English crimisin, from Old Spanish cremesín, from Arabic qirmizī, from qirmiz kermes

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1609, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing crimson

• crimson clover

Kids Definition

crimson

1 of 2 noun

crim·​son ˈkrim-zən 

: a deep purplish red

crimson adjective

crimson

2 of 2 verb

: to make or become crimson