Vermilion: meaning, definitions and examples

Vermilion is a bright red pigment with a slight orange tone. It's often used in art and design when a vivid, eye-catching red is needed.

• The artist used vermilion to make the sunset in her painting more striking
• The vermilion flowers stood out against the green foliage

Red is a primary color that ranges from warm yellows to cooler blues. It is very versatile and can be used in many contexts, from fashion to emotions like anger and love.

• She painted her nails red for the party
• The red warning signs were impossible to ignore

Scarlet is a bright red color with a hint of orange. It is often associated with passion, danger, or sin and can have a slightly negative connotation.

• She wore a scarlet dress that caught everyone's eye
• The scarlet letter was a mark of shame in the novel

Crimson is a deep, slightly purplish red color. It is often associated with richness and intensity and is frequently used in literature and descriptions of nature.

• The crimson leaves signaled the arrival of autumn
• She wore a beautiful crimson gown to the gala

Ruby is a deep red gemstone. In descriptions, it often conveys luxury, beauty, and high value. It can be used metaphorically to describe the richness of color similar to the gemstone.

• He gifted her a necklace with a ruby pendant
• The wine had a deep ruby color

Used in artistic and descriptive contexts, especially when referring to a bright red or reddish-orange color. This word is often chosen in literature, poetry, and conversations about art.

• The artist painted the sunset in hues of vermilion and gold.
• Her lips were a striking vermilion, standing out against her pale skin.

Typically used in scientific or historical contexts to describe the mineral cinnabar, which is the primary ore of mercury and has a distinct red color. It might also be used in art to describe a specific shade of red.

• Cinnabar was used by ancient civilizations for its vibrant color in paintings and pottery.
• The cinnabar pigment gave the artwork a rich, almost mystical red hue.