ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rouge

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈɹuʒ// UK //ɹˈuːʒ// rouge
  1. 1 makeup (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a red or pink powder or cream that you put on your cheeks to add color.

    a cosmetic used for coloring the cheeks, typically in the form of a powder or cream.

    Example

    She applied a little rouge to her cheeks before the party started.

    Example

    The actress used a subtle shade of rouge to enhance her features under the harsh stage lights.
  2. 2 polishing powder (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Technical

    a fine red powder used by jewelers to polish metal and glass.

    a fine red powder consisting of ferric oxide, used as an abrasive for polishing jewelry, metal, or lenses.

    Example

    The jeweler used a cloth and some rouge to make the silver ring shine.

    Example

    Jeweller's rouge is essential for achieving a mirror-like finish on precious metals without causing deep scratches.
    • crocus
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 Canadian football score (n.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Dialect Sport

    a single point scored in Canadian football when the ball is kicked into the end zone.

    a single point awarded in Canadian football when a kicked ball is not returned from the end zone.

    Example

    The game was so close that it was decided by a single rouge in the final minute.

    Example

    The kicker earned a rouge after the opposing returner was tackled inside his own end zone.

    Usage

    Specific to Canadian football rules.
  2. 4 to apply makeup (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary Formal

    to put red or pink makeup on your cheeks.

    to apply cosmetic rouge to the face. Often used intransitively.

    Example

    In the old movie, the lady would rouge her face before her guests arrived.

    Example

    She sat before the vanity to rouge and powder her face with practiced precision.
  3. 5 reddish color (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    having a reddish or pink color.

    of a reddish-pink or deep red color.

    Example

    The sky turned a deep rouge as the sun began to set.

    Example

    The walls were draped in rouge velvet, giving the room a heavy, theatrical atmosphere.
Origin

Borrowed from French rouge, from Latin rubeus. Compare rare Middle English rouge, rouȝ (“red”); later borrowed again, as it is not attested until c. 1750. The game senses are of unknown origin according to the Oxford English Dictionary.

© 2026 English Reference