indigo

noun

in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō How to pronounce indigo (audio)
plural indigos or indigoes
1
: a deep reddish blue
2
3
a
: a blue vat dye obtained from plants (such as indigo plants)
b
: the principal coloring matter C16H10N2O2 of natural indigo usually synthesized as a blue powder with a coppery luster

Examples of indigo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Try the style for yourself while this Spanx pair in vintage indigo is on sale. Nicola Fumo, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 While shibori is the Japanese term, the indigo dyeing technique has also long existed in the likes of China, India, and western Africa. Emily Chan, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2024 The other was a layered outfit consisting of what looked like two button-up shirts and a vest, as well as indigo trousers and oxford shoes. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 19 Jan. 2024 This deep indigo pair is all about what’s behind the seams, which is a proprietary slimming panel for anyone who wants denim with tummy control. Paula Lee, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2024 In one video, which has been viewed nearly 60 million times, McFarland revives and personalizes a pair of limited-edition boots, painting the soles a deep indigo shade. Sydney Page, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024 Should a rainbow appear, birds would see a much wider arc of color than what humans see, extending lower on the spectrum to show more indigo and violet, which have shorter wavelengths. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024 The slight flare and lightly destructed, medium indigo wash instantly won us over with their chic and comfortable appeal. Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 20 Jan. 2024 Suddenly the sky transitioned to deep indigo, creating an aura of anticipation. Romy Gill, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indigo.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian dialect, from Latin indicum, from Greek indikon, from neuter of indikos Indic, from Indos India

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indigo was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near indigo

Cite this Entry

“Indigo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indigo. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

indigo

noun
in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō How to pronounce indigo (audio)
plural indigos or indigoes
1
: a blue dye made artificially and formerly obtained from plants and especially indigo plants
2
: a deep reddish blue
Etymology

from an Italian dialect word indigo "a blue dye from indigo plants," from Latin indicum (same meaning), derived from Greek indikos (adjective) "of or relating to India"; so called because the plant dye was first widely produced in India

Medical Definition

indigo

noun
in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō How to pronounce indigo (audio)
plural indigos or indigoes
1
a
: a blue dye obtained from indigo plants (as Indigofera tinctoria of Africa and India, I. anil of South America, and I. auriculata of Arabia and Egypt)
b
: the principal coloring matter C16H10N2O2 of natural indigo usually synthesized as a blue powder with a coppery luster

called also indigotin

2

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