pigment

1 of 2

noun

pig·​ment ˈpig-mənt 

1

: a substance that imparts black or white or a color to other materials

especially : a powdered substance that is mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively insoluble and used especially to impart color to coating materials (such as paints) or to inks, plastics, and rubber

2

: a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue

also : any of various related colorless substances

pigmentary

ˈpig-mən-ˌter-ē 

adjective

pigment

2 of 2

verb

pig·​ment ˈpig-ˌment 

-mənt

pigmented; pigmenting; pigments

transitive verb

: to color with or as if with pigment

Synonyms

Noun

• color
• colorant
• coloring
• dye
• dyestuff
• stain

Verb

• bepaint [archaic]
• color
• dye
• paint
• stain
• tincture
• tinge
• tint

Examples of pigment in a Sentence

Noun

Chlorophyll is a group of green pigments.

Melanin is a pigment that gives color to skin and fur.

Albinos lack normal skin pigment.

Pigments are used to give color to paint, ink, and plastic.

Red pigment is mixed into the ink.

Verb

pigmented varnishes

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Art continues to inspire the brand’s makeup range, with buildable pigments that wear like watercolor. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

These subtle enhancements are typically a baby wing with a black pigment or even a deep chocolate brown along the waterline. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024

Verb

Its soft yet richly pigmented formula stays in place and is safe for sensitive eyes or contact lenses. —Madison Yauger, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

Everything—from cosmetics to skincare—is gentle, lightly pigmented, and free of artificial fragrances. —Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, spice, dye, from Latin pigmentum coloring substance, from pingere to paint — more at paint

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1896, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pigment

• respiratory pigment

Kids Definition

pigment

noun

pig·​ment

ˈpig-mənt

1

: a substance that gives color to other materials

especially : a powder mixed with a liquid to give color

2

: a natural coloring matter in animals and plants

pigmented

-mənt-əd

-ˌment-

adjective

Medical Definition

pigment

noun

pig·​ment ˈpig-mənt 

: a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue

also : any of various related colorless substances