indigo

noun in·di·go \ ˈin-di-ˌgō \

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

Definition of indigo

plural indigos or indigoes

1 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

2 : indigo plant

3 : a deep reddish blue

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Recent Examples of indigo from the Web

Inspired by Ettore Sottsass' famed Italian design firm the Memphis Group, Enoteca Nostrana's front door opens to a riot of color, with indigo sound baffles, aquamarine chairs and peachy pink walls.

— michael russell, OregonLive.com, "Nostrana chef Cathy Whims is opening a Euro-style wine bar, and it's gorgeous," 5 Apr. 2018
Ikea Ikea says the line’s design was inspired by the indigo textile work many of the artisans were already making.

— liz stinson, Curbed, "Ikea’s new line of indigo goods is made by Indian artisans," 3 Apr. 2018
Going downtown was a thrill, even into my teenage years, with midnight movies at the Fourth Avenue Theatre, under the blinking Big Dipper set in its indigo ceiling.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Here’s an idea for bringing back some of what was once special about Anchorage," 30 Mar. 2018
Rockwell created an ombré effect, starting with a light Easter-egg blue in the back that makes its way to a Majorelle Garden deep indigo around the stage.

— charles curkin, ELLE Decor, "Behind The Curtain: Designer David Rockwell Boldly Reimagines The Helen Hayes Theatre," 19 Mar. 2018
But the industrial process currently used to synthesize indigo is bad for the environment.

— diana gitig, Ars Technica, "A greener shade of blue," 11 Jan. 2018
One dropped its Mud Cloth Charlie sneaker, made of indigo mud cloth that was sourced from the West African country Mali.

— tara paniogue, latimes.com, "Step into spring wearing these sneakers. Venice label No.One makes luxury kicks starting at $575," 23 Mar. 2018
Peg + Cat: The Big Dog Problem: A math-loving little girl who plays a mean ukulele and her best friend, an indigo cat, solve problems like what to do when a big dog is blocking your path to the mailox.

— chris ball, cleveland.com, "Oscar winner 'The Shape of Water' now on DVD and Blu-ray (review)," 18 Mar. 2018
The antique cream pieces channel the chic but simple style Madewell is known for, while indigo accents bring to mind the brand's iconic denims.

— olivia harrison, refinery29.com, "Madewell & Parachute Just Teamed Up For A The Coziest Collaboration," 15 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indigo.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of indigo

Italian dialect, from Latin indicum, from Greek indikon, from neuter of indikos Indic, from Indos India

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1555

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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INDIGO Defined for English Language Learners

indigo

noun

Definition of indigo for English Language Learners

: a deep purplish-blue color

INDIGO Defined for Kids

indigo

noun in·di·go \ ˈin-di-ˌgō \

Definition of indigo for Students

plural indigos or indigoes

1 : a blue dye made artificially or obtained especially formerly from plants ( indigo plants )

2 : a deep purplish blue

Medical Dictionary

indigo

noun in·di·go \ ˈin-di-ˌgō \

medical Definition of indigo

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

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See words that rhyme with indigo Spanish Central: Translation of indigo Nglish: Translation of indigo for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about indigo

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indigo

Definition of indigo

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INDIGO Defined for English Language Learners

indigo

Definition of indigo for English Language Learners

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indigo

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Medical Dictionary

indigo

medical Definition of indigo

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