Cerulean: meaning, definitions and examples

🔵
Add to dictionary

cerulean

 

[ səˈruː.li.ən ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

color

deep blue in color like a clear sky

Synonyms

azure, sapphire, sky-blue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cerulean

This word is often used in art and design to describe a deep sky blue color. It can be used in poetic or descriptive writing to evoke feelings of serenity and calmness.

  • The cerulean sky stretched endlessly above us.
  • Her dress was a stunning shade of cerulean.
sky-blue

A straightforward term used in everyday conversation to describe a light shade of blue, similar to that of the midday sky. It is simple and commonly understood, making it suitable for general descriptive contexts.

  • He chose a sky-blue shirt for the picnic.
  • The sky-blue walls made the room feel airy and open.
azure

This term is commonly used in literature, poetry, and lyrical writing to describe the blue color of the sky, often implying clarity and purity. It can also be associated with luxury and elegance.

  • They sailed across the azure waters of the Mediterranean.
  • The azure sky was free from any clouds.
sapphire

Known for being a precious gemstone, 'sapphire' is used to describe a deep, rich blue color. It conveys a sense of luxury, richness, and rarity, and is often used in both fashion and high-end product descriptions.

  • She admired the sapphire hue of the ocean at sunset.
  • He gifted her a necklace with a brilliant sapphire pendant.

Examples of usage

  • The cerulean waters of the Caribbean Sea were mesmerizing.
  • She painted her room in a soothing cerulean shade.
Context #2 | Noun

ornithology

a small passerine bird that is mainly blue or azure in color

Synonyms

bluebird, warbler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cerulean

This word is typically used to describe a deep sky-blue color, often seen in art, fashion, or descriptions of nature. It conveys a sense of tranquility and serenity.

  • The artist used a cerulean hue to capture the tranquility of the ocean in her painting.
  • She wore a cerulean dress that matched the clear summer sky perfectly.
warbler

This word is used to describe a small songbird known for its melodic singing. It is common in ornithology (the study of birds) and when discussing different bird species. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who sings softly or tunefully.

  • The warbler's song filled the forest with melodious notes at dawn.
  • She was a quiet warbler, often singing to herself as she walked through the garden.
bluebird

This term refers to a specific type of small North American bird that has bright blue feathers. It is often used in nature discussions, birdwatching, and occasionally in metaphorical or poetic language to symbolize happiness or good luck.

  • We spotted a bluebird perched on the fence, its bright feathers shining in the sunlight.
  • Seeing a bluebird always brings a smile to my face; it's like a tiny piece of sky come to life.

Examples of usage

  • The cerulean warbler is known for its beautiful plumage.
  • Birdwatchers were excited to spot a rare cerulean in the forest.

Translations

Translations of the word "cerulean" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cerúleo

🇮🇳 नील-नीला

🇩🇪 himmelblau

🇮🇩 biru langit

🇺🇦 блакитний

🇵🇱 błękitny

🇯🇵 セルリアンブルー (serurian burū)

🇫🇷 céruléen

🇪🇸 cerúleo

🇹🇷 gök mavisi

🇰🇷 하늘색 (haneulsaek)

🇸🇦 أزرق سماوي

🇨🇿 blankytný

🇸🇰 blankytný

🇨🇳 天蓝色 (tiānlán sè)

🇸🇮 nebesno moder

🇮🇸 himnablár

🇰🇿 көк аспан

🇬🇪 ცისფერი (cisperi)

🇦🇿 səmavi mavi

🇲🇽 cerúleo

Etymology

The word 'cerulean' comes from the Latin word 'caeruleus', meaning 'sky-blue'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe a deep blue color resembling a clear sky. The association with the sky and nature gives the word a sense of calm and beauty. In ornithology, 'cerulean' is used to describe a type of small blue bird, adding a touch of elegance to the name.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,296 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.