mauve

1 of 2

noun

ˈmȯv 

ˈmōv

1

a

: a moderate purple, violet, or lilac color

b

: a strong purple

2

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

mauve

2 of 2

adjective

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

White china vases of mauve hyacinths scented the table …

—Hamish Bowles

Examples of mauve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Styled with mauve pants, strappy sandals, and an oversized pouch bag, the look strikes the perfect balance between tailoring and unexpected details. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 27 July 2026

In contrast to the mauve and powdery tones worn by both the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II, Lady Di stood out in a deep blue dress splashed with large black polka dots. — Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 24 July 2026

Adjective

Madison paired the metallic pumps with a mauve Galliano-era Dior minidress — a fitting choice, considering she was named a global ambassador for the house in September. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025

Her hair was styled in a sleek chignon by Rena Calhoun, while her makeup featured sparkly eye shadow and a mauve lip courtesy of artist Melissa Hernandez. — Julia Teti, WWD, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1833, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mauve

• salve
• sauve
• slav
• suave
• improv

Kids Definition

mauve

noun

ˈmōv  ˈmȯv 

: a medium purple, violet, or lilac