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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These popsicles gain their deep indigo hue from fresh and juicy berries. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025 The statement pieces were balanced by off-the-shoulder dresses and tops in a clean indigo wash. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Sep. 2025 The set comes in moody neutrals like gray, indigo, cream, and white, and even arrives in a cute storage tote. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2025 Beneath her trenchcoat, Hadid wore a pair of indigo tapered jeans, coordinated with a white collared shirt for a quiet luxury aesthetic. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indigo

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indigo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indigo. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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

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