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

The star has been obsessed with shades of scarlet lately; she's been particularly devoted to a bright, almost-neon red, though her latest set leans more trendy black cherry than retro Maraschino cherry. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 26 Mar. 2025

Kate Middleton and Prince William Reveal Their Relatable Weekend Schedule with George, Charlotte and Louis Dressed in a striking scarlet Catherine Walker & Co coat dress — a re-wear from her royal wardrobe — Kate exuded a newfound strength. —Simon Perry, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025

Adjective

On the islands of Crete and Santorini, there are millenia-old frescoes depicting girls and monkeys harvesting flowers: saffron crocuses, whose scarlet stigmas, when plucked and dried, become that most precious of spices. —Kate Guadagnino, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025

Ultimately, the decision is up to the scarlet princes — not even the Holy Spirit is believed to influence their decision directly, only to guide them. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 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