Word
vermilion
Phoneticsver·mil·ion, stress on the second syllable
US/vɝˈmɪɫjən/
UK/vɜːmˈɪliən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a bright, deep red color. It was a very popular color for paint and jewelry in the past.
n. a vivid, deep red color, typically associated with the pigment cinnabar. Often used in historical contexts to describe decorative arts or specific types of glass.
Examples
“The old palace walls were painted in bright vermilion.”
“The artist used vermilion to create the intense red tones in the portrait's background.”
“The stained glass window features a striking vermilion hue that deepens as the light shifts from morning to midday.”
Examples
simple
“The old palace walls were painted in bright vermilion.”
contextual
“The artist used vermilion to create the intense red tones in the portrait's background.”
complex
“The stained glass window features a striking vermilion hue that deepens as the light shifts from morning to midday.”
Real-World Examples
“From the 8th century until the early 20th century, the most important scarlet pigment used in Western art was vermilion , made from the mineral cinnabar .” Etymology
From Middle English vermelioun, vermyloun, vermylon, vermilun, from Old French vermeillon (“vermilion”), from vermeil, from Latin vermiculus (“little worm”), from vermis (“worm”), ultimately in reference to Kermes vermilio, a type of scale insect used to make a crimson dye.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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