violet

noun

vi·​o·​let ˈvī-(ə-)lət 

1

a

: any of a genus (Viola of the family Violaceae, the violet family) of chiefly herbs with alternate stipulate leaves and showy flowers in spring and often cleistogamous flowers in summer

especially : one with smaller usually solid-colored flowers as distinguished from the usually larger-flowered violas and pansies

b

: any of several plants of genera other than that of the violet compare dogtooth violet

2

: any of a group of colors of reddish-blue hue, low lightness, and medium saturation

Illustration of violet

• violet 1a

Examples of violet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But many mammals glow, too, not through bioluminescence, but through photoluminescence, a distinct biological process that’s best spotted by observing animals under ultraviolet, violet, or blue light. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 May 2025

Beautiful aromas of violets, roses as well as mocha, coffee, black pepper and allspice. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

Best of all, the super vibrant shades translate beautifully on richer skin tones (think: bold reds, violets, and pinks). —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 May 2025

For example, some succulents and African violets do better when their foliage is kept dry. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, from viole "the violet flower" (going back to Latin viola "any of various spring flowers, as Viola odorata," derivative of a base vi- of Mediterranean substratal origin, as also Greek íon "the color violet") + -et -et entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing violet

• African violet
• bird's-foot violet
• crystal violet
• dogtooth violet
• gentian violet
• shrinking violet

Rhymes for violet

• inviolate
• ultraviolet

Kids Definition

violet

noun

vi·​o·​let ˈvī-ə-lət 

1

a

: any of a genus of mostly herbs that often produce showy fragrant flowers in the spring and small closed self-pollinated flowers without petals in the summer

b

: any of several plants of other genera compare dogtooth violet

2

: a reddish blue