scarlet

1 of 2

noun

scar·​let ˈskär-lət How to pronounce scarlet (audio)
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 fashionG. 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Prince George popped in scarlet as a Page of Honor, wearing the red uniform based on the Page outfit for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 6 May 2023 But the three main Kangs shown appear to be variants Rama-Tut, an ancient Egyptian Pharoah in the comics, Immortus, the oldest version of Kang, who Kang will become in the future, and what appears to be Scarlet Centurion, minus the scarlet. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2023 The helmet featured a Columbia Blue oil derrick outlined in scarlet. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 4 May 2023 Slightly more orange-toned than typical cherry red and brighter than deep scarlet, the bold hue enamored us with its vibrant and joyful effect (dopamine dressing is very much still a thing) that is also surprisingly wearable. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2023 The furniture is upholstered in fabrics from Giorgio Taroni’s company’s textile archives: oversize florals in tangerine and scarlet, Op Art spirals in sapphire and marigold. Nancy Hass Henry Bourne, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023 In addition to his regulation Englishman’s brolly, Craig’s uniform for the event was a sumptuous formal velvet double breasted dinner jacket in a plummy shade of scarlet over a pair of trim black trousers. Guy Martin, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2021 The striking color is a specific scarlet chosen by Davis to replace the brand’s previous bourgeois burgundy. Rory Satran, WSJ, 6 Feb. 2023 Expect a lot of scarlet in the stands and a statement victory from the Red Raiders. Dallas News, 24 Aug. 2022
Adjective
Dinner appetizers that are worth ordering include the scarlet shrimp that’s served with caviar and asparagus foam; and the foie gras that’s paired with spiced bread and pears. Jeanine Barone, Forbes, 18 Apr. 2023 Silversea supplies waterproof pants, sturdy rubber boots and a scarlet parka, which left plenty of room in my suitcase for layers—thermals, tops and a fleece—along with waterproof gloves, wool socks, hats and sunglasses. Sarah Khan, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2022 The pork wontons flop around in a scarlet liquid studded with chiles that menacingly float among the dumplings. Jenn Harriscolumnist, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2022 One morning in September 1893, a 30-year-old Indian man sat on a curb on Chicago’s Dearborn Street wearing an orange turban and a rumpled scarlet robe. Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Oct. 2022 For the flashy occasion, Chopra wowed in a gorgeous off-the-shoulder corset gown awash in a rich scarlet hue. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 20 Apr. 2023 One bedroom for children has the cutest bunk-beds, which are dressed in scarlet and white curtains; another room has botanical prints on the walls and an upholstered window seat, straight out of a picture book. Angelina Villa-clarke, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2023 Cocoa + Scarlet This Redd Kaihoi room manages to expertly marry lacquered cocoa walls with a scarlet four-poster bed. Sean Santiago, ELLE Decor, 13 Apr. 2023 Police and sniffer dogs had made their search, and now senior clergy lined up in scarlet cassocks, a welcoming party, while the dean, also in red, stood outside the western entrance to greet his guest. Peter Ross, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scarlet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarlet was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near scarlet

Cite this Entry

“Scarlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarlet. Accessed 27 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

scarlet

noun
scar·​let
ˈskär-lət
1
: scarlet cloth or clothes
2
: a bright red
scarlet adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on scarlet

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