# red /ˈɹɛd/ (US) · /ɹˈɛd/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/red Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. the color noun · CEFR A1 the color of things like blood, fire engines, or strawberries. For teachers: the color evoked by the longest visible wavelengths of light, typically between 625 and 740 nanometers. - The bright red of the roses looked beautiful against the green grass. - The artist used a deep, saturated red to draw the viewer's eye toward the central figure in the composition. ### 2. politics noun · CEFR B2 · Informal a person who supports communism or very left-wing political ideas. For teachers: a person who holds revolutionary socialist or communist views; often capitalized when referring to historical movements. - During the revolution, he was known as a committed red. - The political tensions of the era led to a widespread fear of reds infiltrating the government bureaucracy. ### 3. wine noun · CEFR A2 a glass or bottle of red wine. For teachers: a variety of wine made from dark-colored grape varieties, typically served at room temperature. - Would you like a glass of red with your steak? - The sommelier recommended a full-bodied red to complement the rich flavors of the venison. ### 4. color of an object adjective · CEFR A1 having the color of blood or fire. For teachers: possessing a hue that resembles the color of blood or the lower end of the visible spectrum. - She wore a red dress to the party so she would stand out. - The red warning light began to flash, indicating that the engine was rapidly overheating. ### 5. hair color adjective · CEFR A2 having hair that is orange, ginger, or reddish-brown. For teachers: describing hair that has a natural orange-brown or copper-toned pigment. - He has bright red hair and lots of freckles on his face. - The genetic trait for red hair is relatively rare in the global population, though more common in certain northern European regions. ### 6. flushed face adjective · CEFR B1 having a face that looks pink or dark because you are embarrassed, angry, or hot. For teachers: exhibiting a flushed or rubicund complexion due to physiological factors such as vasodilation or emotional stress. - His face turned red when he realized he had made a mistake. - After the intense workout, her face remained red for nearly an hour as her body temperature gradually returned to normal. ### 7. US politics adjective · CEFR B2 · American English related to the Republican Party in the United States. For teachers: denoting a state or region in the United States that predominantly votes for the Republican Party. - Texas is traditionally considered a red state in presidential elections. - Political analysts spent the evening discussing whether the traditionally red district might flip to the opposition. ### 8. safety stop interjection · CEFR C1 · Informal a word used to tell someone to stop what they are doing immediately, often for safety. For teachers: a signal used to demand an immediate cessation of activity, particularly in high-risk or consensual contexts. - We agreed to say 'red' if the game became too rough. - The participants established a 'red' safe word to ensure that the exercise could be terminated instantly if anyone felt uncomfortable. ## Examples - Red is my favorite color for a car. - In many cultures, the color red symbolizes good fortune and is popular during celebrations and holidays. - The painter's masterful use of red transformed the canvas, evoking a sense of urgent passion that simpler palettes could not convey. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.