mauve

noun \ ˈmȯv , ˈmōv \

Definition of mauve

1 a : a moderate purple, violet, or lilac color

b : a strong purple

2 : a dyestuff (see ¹dye 2) that produces a mauve color

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Recent Examples of mauve from the Web

The collection includes three brand-new shades: Mink, a deep, grayish brown with purple undertones; Penelope, a warm, pinkish coral; and Bubble, a muted, cool-toned mauve.

— gillian fuller, Allure, "Kylie Cosmetics Announces 3 New Lip Kit Shades for Fall," 14 Sep. 2017
Swallows suddenly swoop through the skies on their way south; the asters explode with color in the gardens; the evening clouds become even more vivid in their pinks and mauves, purples and iridescent yellows.

— andrew sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "The Religious Right’s Suicidal Gay Obsession," 8 Sep. 2017
In the dining room, for example, a delicate mobile designed by her friend, artist Julia Condon, mimics the delicate, beaded, abstract roses embroidered on the mauve silk that lines the walls.

— kate betts, ELLE Decor, "The Next Step," 14 Oct. 2011
There's the aforementioned Ruby Woo and Whirl, along with peachy nude Velvet Teddy, mauve Mehr, red-orange Chili, wine Sin, burgundy Diva, blue-red Russian Red, muted pink Twig, and brick red D for Danger.

— rachel nussbaum, Glamour, "$10 MAC Lipstick Minis Now Exist in Your Favorite Shades," 4 Oct. 2017
Another deep mauve lipstick and lip liner got the name Erin, for Hadid’s makeup artist who helped her develop the collection.

— jackie fields, PEOPLE.com, "Gigi Hadid's Been Secretly Wearing Her Maybelline Makeup Collection for Weeks - Even Bella Didn't Know!," 21 Oct. 2017
Modern, spare rooms converted from 300-year-old caves have clean white walls with splashes of vivid fuchsia, mauve, aqua, and rose in the cushions and bedding.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "Perivolas," 20 Oct. 2017
Step one: Take Liar (a medium metallic mauve shimmer) and pack the color on the inner third of your eyelid.

— alison smith, Philly.com, "A step-by-step guide to eyeshadow," 17 Oct. 2017
Step 2: Add a vampy mauve shade around the outer corners of your lids for a bit of ~drama~. Step 3: Use a pearly hue to highlight your cheekbones, forehead, nose, cupid's bow, and chin.

— kelsey stiegman, Seventeen, "5 Snapchat Filter Halloween Costumes You Should Rock IRL," 13 Sep. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of mauve

French, literally, mallow, from Old French, from Latin malva

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1859

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mauve

adjective

Definition of mauve

: of the color mauve : of a moderate purple, violet, or lilac color

White china vases of mauve hyacinths scented the table …
—Hamish Bowles

First Known Use of mauve

1833

MAUVE Defined for Kids

mauve

noun \ ˈmōv , ˈmȯv \

Definition of mauve for Students

: a medium purple, violet, or lilac

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