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
The rolling mountain landscape becomes an undulating patchwork quilt of searing scarlets, terracottas, vermillions, and more. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 Founded by German immigrants, the town sees its brick streets and historic wineries come alive when framed by gold and scarlet. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Crimson Glow Transition your red nails from fiery for summer to moody for fall with a subtle merlot-to-scarlet aura. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026 And the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived there from 900 to 1150 CE used their trade connections with Mexico and Central America to import everything from scarlet macaws to cacao. — ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Scarlet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarlet. Accessed 4 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scarlet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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