English Reference
noun · verb · adjective

rouge

n. · v. · adj.
US /ˈɹuʒ/ UK /ɹˈuːʒ/ rouge UK spelling rouged, rouges, rouging

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The actress used a subtle shade of rouge to enhance her features under the harsh stage lights.

    blusherblush
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Technical

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    Jeweller's rouge is essential for achieving a mirror-like finish on precious metals without causing deep scratches.

    crocus
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency American EnglishDialect Sport

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    Usage

    Specific to Canadian football rules.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced LiteraryFormal

    v.to put red or pink makeup on your cheeks.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    She sat before the vanity to rouge and powder her face with practiced precision.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Literary

    adj.having a reddish or pink color.

    adj.of a reddish-pink or deep red color.

    Simple

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

    In context

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


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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin rubeus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated