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

• dye
• coloring
• colorant
• color
• stain

Verb

• paint
• color
• dye
• tint
• stain

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

Apples contain carotenoids, antioxidant pigments that give red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables their colors. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025

From using the pigment as a cheek tint to mixing the color into moisturizers, the cream texture has been the foundation of Danessa Myricks Beauty since the beginning. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 11 July 2025

Verb

The Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Liner glides on like a balm but wears like a stain—hydrating, pigmented, and made to last. —Marie Lodi, Allure, 5 July 2025

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