cyan

1 of 2

noun

cy·​an ˈsī-ˌan 

-ən

: a greenish-blue color

—used in photography and color printing of one of the primary colors

cyan-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or cyano-

1

: dark blue : blue

cyanobacterium

2

: cyanogen

cyanide

3

: cyanide

cyanogenetic

Examples of cyan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But the colors, ranging from cyan to deepest cobalt, owe more to the geology of the archipelago and to the reflective quality of its pearlescent white sand. —Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026

Four colors redefine viewing The 116UXS flagship television introduces RGB MiniLED evo, a four-primary backlight system that adds cyan to the traditional red, green, and blue structure. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026

Indeed, while Piccioli paid his respects, his own touches could also be felt in the pops of violet, cyan and highlighter yellow. —Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025

Aquamarine, cyan blue, and turquoise will be making a splash on toes, like this statement pedi by The Nail Atelier. —Mica Ricketts, Refinery29, 23 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Greek kyanos

Combining form

German, from Greek kyan-, kyano-, from kyanos dark blue enamel

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cyan

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• crankpin
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman
• flagman

Kids Definition

cyan

noun

cy·​an ˈsī-ˌan 

-ən

: a greenish blue