scarlet

1 of 2

noun

scar·​let ˈskär-lət 

1

: scarlet cloth or clothes

2

: any of various bright reds

scarlet

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of the color scarlet

2

a

: grossly and glaringly offensive

sinning in flagrant and scarlet fashion

—G. W. Johnson

b

[from the use of the word in Isaiah 1:18 & Revelation 17:1–6 (King James Version)] : of, characterized by, or associated with sexual immorality

a scarlet woman

Examples of scarlet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

My favorite selection for the South, 'October Glory,' turns brilliant scarlet. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025

The upper pot leans dramatic, thanks to the contrast of the scarlet–trim silver leaves of 'Jurassic Dino Dragon Fruit’ rex begonia, which play off the variegated English ivy and shrubby everlasting. —Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2025

Adjective

While many of items were worn on formal occasions, others demonstrate Diana’s quintessential take on casual ‘80s and ‘90s style, including a scarlet nylon ski suit and an oversized sweatshirt bearing the logo of the British Lung Foundation (with top estimates of $50,000 and $20,000, respectively). —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 10 June 2025

Paggi is growing a related plant that is a showstopper thanks to its fringed, brilliant orange-red — and occasionally yellow — petals and scarlet stamens. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scarlat, scarlet, from Anglo-French escarlet, from Medieval Latin scarlata, from Persian saqalāt, a kind of rich cloth

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scarlet

• scarlet fever
• scarlet king snake
• scarlet letter
• scarlet pimpernel
• scarlet runner bean
• scarlet sage
• scarlet tanager

Rhymes for scarlet

• carlot
• harlot
• starlet
• starlit
• varlet

Kids Definition

scarlet

noun

scar·​let

ˈskär-lət

1

: scarlet cloth or clothes

2

: a bright red

scarlet adjective