scarlet
Scarlet (noun) means a vivid red colour, sometimes with an orange tinge. Example: “The leaves turned scarlet in early autumn.”
How to use scarlet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rich, bright red.
Word forms
more scarlet comparative, scarleted past tense, scarlets plural, Scarlets plural, scarlets singular, most scarlet superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The leaves turned _____ in early autumn.
Etymology
From Old French escarlate, originally naming a fine woollen cloth, itself traced back through Arabic and possibly Byzantine Greek — the colour sense came later, from the cloth's typical dye.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for scarlet
See all rhymes for scarlet →Frequently asked questions
What does “scarlet” mean?
The word “scarlet” means a vivid red colour, sometimes with an orange tinge. In plain terms, a rich, bright red.
How do you pronounce “scarlet”?
“Scarlet” is pronounced SKAH-liht (/ˈskɑɹlɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “scarlet” in a sentence?
Here is “scarlet” used in a sentence: “The leaves turned scarlet in early autumn.”
What is another word for “scarlet”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scarlet” include scarlet red.
What part of speech is “scarlet”?
Depending on how it is used, “scarlet” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “scarlet” come from?
The word “scarlet” comes from Old French. From Old French escarlate, originally naming a fine woollen cloth, itself traced back through Arabic and possibly Byzantine Greek — the colour sense came later, from the cloth's typical dye.
Is “scarlet” a common word?
“Scarlet” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “scarlet” have?
“Scarlet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a vivid red colour, sometimes with an orange tinge.
What is the difference between scarlet and crimson?
Scarlet is a vivid red colour, sometimes with an orange tinge, while crimson is a deeper, slightly purplish-red shade. Both are shades within the red family but scarlet leans brighter and warmer, whereas crimson leans darker and cooler.
Is scarlet the same as red?
Scarlet is a specific, more vivid and orange-tinged shade within the broader colour category of red, rather than a synonym for red in general. All scarlet is red, but not all red is scarlet.
Can scarlet be used to describe something other than colour?
Yes, scarlet is primarily a colour term, used as both a noun for the shade itself and an adjective describing something of that bright, deep red colour, such as scarlet fabric or a scarlet flower.