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 leaves turn a vivid, brilliant scarlet-red in the fall. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025

The foliage turns brilliant scarlet in fall, so it’s often chosen as an ornamental tree for its autumn color. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025

Adjective

In the fall, its leaves turn maroon, but its best show comes in winter, when its signature scarlet-red branches contrast with a snowy backdrop. —Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025

Dresses, tops, and trousers come in in black, scarlet, brown and cobalt, with buckles that allow wearers to adjust garments to their body. —Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 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