pigment

1 of 2

noun

pig·​ment ˈpig-mənt 

1

: a substance that imparts black or white or a color to other materials

especially : a powdered substance that is mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively insoluble and used especially to impart color to coating materials (such as paints) or to inks, plastics, and rubber

2

: a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue

also : any of various related colorless substances

pigmentary

ˈpig-mən-ˌter-ē 

adjective

pigment

2 of 2

verb

pig·​ment ˈpig-ˌment 

-mənt

pigmented; pigmenting; pigments

transitive verb

: to color with or as if with pigment

Synonyms

Noun

• color
• colorant
• coloring
• dye
• dyestuff
• stain

Verb

• bepaint [archaic]
• color
• dye
• paint
• stain
• tincture
• tinge
• tint

Examples of pigment in a Sentence

Noun

Chlorophyll is a group of green pigments.

Melanin is a pigment that gives color to skin and fur.

Albinos lack normal skin pigment.

Pigments are used to give color to paint, ink, and plastic.

Red pigment is mixed into the ink.

Verb

pigmented varnishes

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Her line shines especially in color—from her Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder (the shade matches here are insane) to the Colorfix multipurpose pigments, there's something for everyone. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 June 2025

Watercolor paper is a special kind of paper made to absorb water and pigment without buckling or tearing apart. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 June 2025

Verb

These long-wear lipsticks are also incredibly pigmented. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025

People of color also pigment more easily when their skin is damaged. —Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, spice, dye, from Latin pigmentum coloring substance, from pingere to paint — more at paint

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1896, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pigment

• respiratory pigment

Rhymes for pigment

• figment

Kids Definition

pigment

noun

pig·​ment

ˈpig-mənt

1

: a substance that gives color to other materials

especially : a powder mixed with a liquid to give color

2

: a natural coloring matter in animals and plants

pigmented

-mənt-əd

-ˌment-

adjective

Medical Definition

pigment

noun

pig·​ment ˈpig-mənt 

: a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue

also : any of various related colorless substances