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 ticket allotment is split evenly, creating a sea of Florida orange and blue on one side and Georgia crimson and black on the other. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

And a tablecloth reveals dense botanicals in a saturated hues of browns and crimson. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026

Adjective

That strength is being seen not just in blue strongholds like Orange County — where Democrats are running up huge turnout numbers — but also in the normally crimson exurban areas such as Polk. — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Entertainment options abound on the lower level, where a crimson velvet theater showcases a fireplace hood signed over the years by iconic stars like Elvis Presley and Rita Moreno. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 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