scarlet

1 of 2

noun

scar·​let ˈskär-lət How to pronounce scarlet (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Despite the plant’s common name, the flower color is more of a scarlet. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 Popular dark paint choices for a dining library include navy blue, rich chocolate brown or even a bold scarlet. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
Adjective
Only the carpet that lines the entrance is royal blue instead of scarlet red. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026 Only a young woman in a scarlet petticoat proves more obliging. — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for scarlet

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarlet was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing scarlet

Rhymes for scarlet

See All Rhymes for scarlet

Browse Nearby Words

scarless
scarlet
scarlet admiral
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scarlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarlet. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scarlet

noun
scar·​let
ˈskär-lət
1
: scarlet cloth or clothes
2
: a bright red
scarlet adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on scarlet

Nglish: Translation of scarlet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scarlet

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