rouge

1 of 2

noun

ˈrüzh 

 especially Southern  ˈrüj

1

: any of various cosmetics for coloring the cheeks or lips red

2

: a red powder consisting essentially of ferric oxide used in polishing glass, metal, or gems and as a pigment

rouge

2 of 2

verb

rouged; rouging

transitive verb

1

: to apply rouge to

2

: to cause to redden

intransitive verb

: to use rouge

Examples of rouge in a Sentence

Noun

She was wearing too much rouge.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The reserve of a select group of noblemen, les talons rouges, signaled a sumptuary code, an inner circle, which explains why so many of the king’s courtiers were posed awkwardly in portraits for the purpose of displaying their trophy steppers. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 26 Mar. 2025

The stars walked the tapis rouge in a range of formal attire from luxury brands like Burberry, Elie Saab and Saint Laurent. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Verb

In a completely different genre and with a more traditional archival film approach, Sous la menace des Khmers rouges, la chute de l’ambassade de France fascinated me. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 28 May 2025

Now, enough rambling and more rouging—below, our editors (and a few makeup artists) chat all things powder blush, including application tips and favorite products. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Middle French, from rouge red, from Latin rubeus reddish — more at ruby

First Known Use

Noun

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1752, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for rouge

• rouges

Kids Definition

rouge

1 of 2 noun

ˈrüzh 

 especially Southern  ˈrüj

1

: a cosmetic used to give a red color to the cheeks or lips

2

: a red powder consisting essentially of ferric oxide used for polishing (as glass or metal)

rouge

2 of 2 verb

rouged; rouging

: to put rouge on