indigo

noun

in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō 

plural indigos or indigoes

1

: a deep reddish blue

2

: indigo plant

3

a

: a blue vat dye obtained from plants (such as indigo plants)

b

: the principal coloring matter C₁₆H₁₀N₂O₂ of natural indigo usually synthesized as a blue powder with a coppery luster

Examples of indigo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cut from soft mid-weight denim for structure and rendered in dark indigo, this full-length cut is polished enough to pair with a chic blazer and kitten heels for the office. —Paula Lee, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2024

Pick them up in classic indigo, or choose from 31 additional shades. —Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024

Serena and Lily Positano linen pajamas $168 SERENA & LILY Crafted in the most beautiful vintage indigo hue, these soft linen pajamas will transport you to the Mediterranean coastline. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2024

Noah Thompson Noah Thompson wore a more casual look, with an indigo button-down and skinny jeans. —Nick Hall, WWD, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian dialect, from Latin indicum, from Greek indikon, from neuter of indikos Indic, from Indos India

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing indigo

• indigo bunting
• indigo plant
• indigo snake
• wild indigo

Kids Definition

indigo

noun

in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō 

plural indigos or indigoes

1

: a blue dye made artificially and formerly obtained from plants and especially indigo plants

2

: a deep reddish blue

Etymology

from an Italian dialect word indigo "a blue dye from indigo plants," from Latin indicum (same meaning), derived from Greek indikos (adjective) "of or relating to India"; so called because the plant dye was first widely produced in India

Medical Definition

indigo

noun

in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō 

plural indigos or indigoes

1

a

: a blue dye obtained from indigo plants (as Indigofera tinctoria of Africa and India, I. anil of South America, and I. auriculata of Arabia and Egypt)

b

: the principal coloring matter C₁₆H₁₀N₂O₂ of natural indigo usually synthesized as a blue powder with a coppery luster

called also indigotin

2

: indigo plant