redden

verb

red·​den ˈre-dᵊn How to pronounce redden (audio)
reddened; reddening ˈred-niŋ How to pronounce redden (audio)
ˈre-dᵊn-iŋ
Synonyms of reddennext

transitive verb

: to make red or reddish

intransitive verb

: to become red
especially : blush

Examples of redden in a Sentence

First-degree burns redden the skin. Her face reddened when her name was announced.
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.
One officer’s face appeared to be reddened and he could be seen rubbing his eye. Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026 During this event, the entire moon passes through the Earth's umbra (the darkest part of its shadow), causing the moon to appear darkened or reddened. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 26 Feb. 2026 An instigator all night long for the Chargers, the 5-foot-3 Dutkanych finally took in the scene around her before reaching up to softly rub a growing lump on her forehead, reddened by the ice. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026 Warning signs include yellowing within a week of infestation, purpling or reddening of leaves, stunting despite adequate moisture, weakening root systems and patchy areas of thinning or dead grass. Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for redden

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of redden was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redden. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

redden

verb
red·​den ˈred-ᵊn How to pronounce redden (audio)
reddened; reddening ˈred-niŋ How to pronounce redden (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become red
especially : blush entry 1 sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on redden

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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