Definition of violet
1a
: 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
Buying Guide
Play with color with paint by number kits for adults selected by our Reviews team.
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Food
-
- Name these cookies!

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share violet
Time Traveler for violet
The first known use of violet was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century