violet

noun

vi·​o·​let ˈvī-(ə-)lət 

1

a

: any of a genus (Viola of the family Violaceae, the violet family) of chiefly herbs with alternate stipulate leaves and showy flowers in spring and often cleistogamous flowers in summer

especially : one with smaller usually solid-colored flowers as distinguished from the usually larger-flowered violas and pansies

b

: any of several plants of genera other than that of the violet compare dogtooth violet

2

: any of a group of colors of reddish-blue hue, low lightness, and medium saturation

Illustration of violet

• violet 1a

Examples of violet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Salmon pinks, deep violets, and sunny marigolds define the property’s aesthetic—a kaleidoscopic tribute to Frida Kahlo’s palette, set against lush jungle greens and the ever-shifting blues of the Pacific. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

Generally, plants use violet and blue light waves for more vegetative growth, while red lights are used for more reproductive growth plus flowering and fruiting. —Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 3 Feb. 2025

The designs incorporate iterations of various state icons, including the state insect (the Monarch butterfly), the state flower (violet) and Abraham Lincoln, as well as nods to corn, agriculture and industry. —Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025

Type: Mist Scent Family: Fresh florals Notes: Juicy pear, pink violet, white cedarwood Size: 3.04 oz. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, from viole "the violet flower" (going back to Latin viola "any of various spring flowers, as Viola odorata," derivative of a base vi- of Mediterranean substratal origin, as also Greek íon "the color violet") + -et -et entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing violet

• African violet
• bird's-foot violet
• crystal violet
• dogtooth violet
• gentian violet
• shrinking violet

Rhymes for violet

• inviolate
• ultraviolet

Kids Definition

violet

noun

vi·​o·​let ˈvī-ə-lət 

1

a

: any of a genus of mostly herbs that often produce showy fragrant flowers in the spring and small closed self-pollinated flowers without petals in the summer

b

: any of several plants of other genera compare dogtooth violet

2

: a reddish blue