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

Japan’s distinction comes from the fact that many Japanese mills still use authentic indigo pigments, dyeing and shuttle weaving machines, said Tilman Wröbel, founder and creative director of Monsieur-T, a denim lifestyle studio. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 14 Jan. 2025

Between the color and the name, the case gives off Blade Runner vibes, framing everything inside in a muted indigo glow using RGB lighting to match its shell. —John Burek, PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025

While out in the Big Apple, Anderson opted for shades of blue, wearing a pair of indigo trousers with a dark blue blouse featuring an asymmetric neckline. —Julia Teti, WWD, 7 Jan. 2025

According to the brand, the indigo ingredient poses no risk of color overload. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 31 Dec. 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