indigo

noun

in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō How to pronounce indigo (audio)
plural indigos or indigoes
1
: a deep reddish blue
2
3
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

Examples of indigo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Included in the savings are these wide-leg jeans that come in a vintage indigo wash. Nicol Natale, People.com, 27 Sep. 2024 The compound is suitable for indigo and black denim and is compatible with Officina39’s Recycrom, Novantic and Nebudye dyestuff. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2024 Inevitably, that gorgeous indigo is starting to fade somewhat at the knee, revealing the bluer tones underneath, along with slight whiskering at the front and lightening at the corners of the back pockets. Josh Condon, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2024 Today, the classic indigo textile remains a staple in her wardrobe. Hannah Malach, WWD, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for indigo 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indigo.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indigo was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near indigo

Cite this Entry

“Indigo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indigo. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

indigo

noun
in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō How to pronounce indigo (audio)
plural indigos or indigoes
1
: a blue dye made artificially and formerly obtained from plants and especially indigo plants
2
: a deep reddish blue
Etymology

from an Italian dialect word indigo "a blue dye from indigo plants," from Latin indicum (same meaning), derived from Greek indikos (adjective) "of or relating to India"; so called because the plant dye was first widely produced in India

Medical Definition

indigo

noun
in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō How to pronounce indigo (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on indigo

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