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

As the sun set in fiery crimson, casting a deep purple over the hazy hills of Tanzania on the horizon, there were no lights to be seen in any direction. —Chris Wallace, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025

The mirror-finish leather reflected a deep oxblood tone that shifted between burgundy and metallic crimson. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

Adjective

One had no beak, only a crimson pucker between its dark-bright eyes. —Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025

There, Bongiovi, 23, opted for a crimson velvet suit with a white shirt and black tie. —Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025

Verb

The paddle took me along this tranquil, ambling waterway, littered with sea hibiscus flowers in various stages of their daily transition from pale yellow to crimson. —Naomi Tomky, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 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