vermilion

noun

ver·​mil·​ion vər-ˈmil-yən How to pronounce vermilion (audio)
variants or less commonly vermillion
1
: a vivid reddish orange
2
: a bright red pigment consisting of mercuric sulfide
broadly : any of various red pigments

Examples of vermilion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Joseph Hoang of Biloxi, Mississippi, caught a vermilion snapper using an electric reel. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2025 This vibrant vermilion maxi skirt is just what my vacation wardrobe has been missing, thanks to its playful shape and bold shade. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025 Sindoor is the Hindi for the traditional red vermilion worn by married Hindu women on their forehead symbolising protection and marital commitment. Staff, USA Today, 7 May 2025 The strikes were known as Operation Sindoor in a reference to the red vermilion that newly married Hindu women wear in their hair to symbolize love and devotion. Mushtaq Yusufzai, NBC news, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vermilion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vermilioun, borrowed from Anglo-French vermeilloun, from vermeil "bright red, red color" (going back to Late Latin vermiculus "bright red color (obtained from kermes)," going back to Latin, "insect larva, grub," from vermis "worm" + -culus, diminutive suffix) + -on, diminutive or particularizing suffix, going back to Latin -ō, -ōn-, suffix of persons with a prominent feature — more at worm entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

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Cite this Entry

“Vermilion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vermilion. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

vermilion

noun
ver·​mil·​ion
variants also vermillion
: a bright reddish orange
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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