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

Wadden describes the mauve-violet hue as an unapologetic statement maker – and the color of confidence. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The background of the study is more textured and brushy, showing swaths of pink, orange, and violet, rather than the more monochromatic blood-red tone of the painting. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026

Scientists have found that bees are most attracted to purple, violet, and blue flowers. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Story’s groomer didn’t dye his whole body—just the puffy fur around his ankles, ears, and the tip of his tail, which fades from violet to a soft lavender like something out of a watercolor painting. — Angela Haupt, Time, 30 June 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