Scarlet

/ˈskɑːr.lɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a bright red color

The artist used scarlet to add warmth to her painting.

a woman or girl who engages in immoral or sinful behavior, often used in historical contexts

In the novel, the scarlet of the main character's past shaped her future.

adjective

of a bright red color

The sunset painted the sky in vibrant scarlet hues.

marked by a strong or vivid color, especially red

She wore a scarlet dress that caught everyone's attention.

associated with shame or sin, especially in relation to the term 'scarlet letter'

He felt the scarlet shame of being caught in a lie.

From Old French 'escarlate', from Latin 'scarlatum', from Greek 'skarlatos'.

scarlet woman

A woman who is considered promiscuous or immoral.

scarlet fever

An infectious disease characterized by a bright red rash.

maroon

A dark red color.

burgundy

A dark red, wine-like color.

To be overly dramatic or flashy.

She really scarleted the event with her bold choices.

To become overwhelmed with emotion, often anger or embarrassment.

He scarleted when he found out about the surprise party.