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

The Greek jeweler Melanie Georgacopoulos elevates pearls, abalone and mother of pearl to wearable art, in a striking palette ranging from off-white through to deep violet. —Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The most common reason African violets stop flowering is inadequate lighting. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026

The color palette featured dark brown tones with touches of violet, camel and teal. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

This high-shine look features a stunning mix of silver, violet, and fuchsia, all topped in silver chrome powder. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026

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