scarlet

1 of 2

noun

scar·​let ˈskär-lət 

1

: scarlet cloth or clothes

2

: any of various bright reds

scarlet

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of the color scarlet

2

a

: grossly and glaringly offensive

sinning in flagrant and scarlet fashion

—G. W. Johnson

b

[from the use of the word in Isaiah 1:18 & Revelation 17:1–6 (King James Version)] : of, characterized by, or associated with sexual immorality

a scarlet woman

Examples of scarlet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

All that’s peeking out from underneath its shroud is a toe tagged with the Westview Public Library card of stamped dates and a long lock of scarlet (get it?) hair. —Caroline Framke, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2024

Lipa wore an update on Look 51 from the blockbuster aughts show, but with the corseted dress reworked in scarlet and the opera gloves in burgundy, while Tiffany & Co. provided accessories in the form of diamond Jean Schlumberger earrings and a spessartine ring. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Adult males are known for their ornaments — brilliant scarlet plumage and beak that contrast sharply with a coal black mask. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Rihanna and Precious Lee doubled down on Ms. Tina’s scarlet lipstick, while Taylor Russell attended Tiffany & Co.’s Yorkdale opening in a pecan lip to match her no-nicure. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scarlat, scarlet, from Anglo-French escarlet, from Medieval Latin scarlata, from Persian saqalāt, a kind of rich cloth

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scarlet

• scarlet fever
• scarlet king snake
• scarlet letter
• scarlet pimpernel
• scarlet runner bean
• scarlet sage
• scarlet tanager

Kids Definition

scarlet

noun

scar·​let

ˈskär-lət

1

: scarlet cloth or clothes

2

: a bright red

scarlet adjective