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

This includes common houseplants like philodendron, monstera, maranta, calathea, African violets, orchids, and some carnivorous plants. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026

Colors with shorter wavelengths, such as blues and violets, scatter more easily than colors with longer wavelengths, which include red and orange. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 31 Dec. 2025

In this home, the designer peppered the living room with turquoise and lavender, while in the den (which opens to the main living area), a deeper teal and violet dominate. —Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025

The shoes also feature persian violet accents, a silver Swoosh, sculpted heel, and a green glow and persian violet sole. —Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Dec. 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