pink

1 of 5

noun (1)

: a ship with a narrow overhanging stern

called also pinkie

pink

2 of 5

noun (2)

1
: any of a genus (Dianthus of the family Caryophyllaceae, the pink family) of chiefly Eurasian herbs having usually pink, red, or white flowers
2
a
: the very embodiment : paragon
b(1)
: one dressed in the height of fashion
(2)
: elite
c
: highest degree possible : height
keep their house in the pink of repairRebecca West

pink

3 of 5

noun (3)

1
: any of a group of colors bluish red to red in hue, of medium to high lightness, and of low to moderate saturation
2
a
: the scarlet color of a fox hunter's coat
also : a fox hunter's coat of this color
b
: pink-colored clothing
c
pinks plural : light-colored trousers formerly worn by army officers
3
: pinko

pink

4 of 5

adjective

1
: of the color pink
2
: holding moderately radical and usually socialistic political or economic views
3
: emotionally moved : excited
often used as an intensive
tickled pink
pinkness noun

pink

5 of 5

verb

pinked; pinking; pinks

transitive verb

1
a
: to perforate in an ornamental pattern
b
: to cut a saw-toothed edge on
2
a
b
: to wound by irony, criticism, or ridicule
Phrases
in the pink
: in the best of health or condition

Did you know?

The verb pink referring to perforation and piercing is from a Middle English word meaning "to thrust." It dates to the early 16th century whereas the noun referring to the color pink and its related adjective date to the 17th and 18th centuries, respectively.

Examples of pink in a Sentence

Noun (2) the pink of society will be at the gala for the city's opera company Adjective Her dress is pale pink. Verb accidentally pinked my shoulder with his fencing sword
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
There are six shades to choose from—Toasted Teddy is a fan-favorite bronze, while Piggy is a classic pink—all featured in this set. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024 The shades du jour are meant to be much more flattering on your own natural lip color tone, such as rose pinks, dusty mauves (like the famed Pillow Talk), and rich berries. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2024
Adjective
The clip comes to a close with Uzi rocking a pink fur hat waking up to their new life. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 24 Oct. 2024 Just in time for the 2024 election, the workwear brand brought back its signature suit in new bright pink styles, including a silk-satin shirt and two exclusive T-shirt designs. Shelby Ying Hyde, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
Editor's tip: The treatment comes in four shades, ranging from clear and fragrance-free to pink with a subtle vanilla scent. Jenny Berg, Allure, 6 Oct. 2024 Those in our collection range from bright reds (‘Springhouse Red’ from our good friends at Springhouse Gardens in Nicholasville, KY) to pink, yellow, orange, and screaming raspberry. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pink 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Middle Dutch pinke

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Verb

Middle English, to thrust

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

circa 1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1503, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pink was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near pink

Cite this Entry

“Pink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pink. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pink

1 of 3 noun
1
: any of a genus of herbs that have narrow leaves and are often grown for their showy usually pink flowers produced singly or in clusters
2
: the highest degree
athletes in the pink of condition

pink

2 of 3 noun
: a pale red
pink adjective
pinkish
ˈpiŋ-kish
adjective
pinkness noun

pink

3 of 3 verb
: to cut cloth, leather, or paper in an ornamental pattern or with a saw-toothed edge
Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

Verb

from earlier pink "stab, pierce," from Middle English pinken "to thrust"

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