indigo

noun

in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō 

plural indigos or indigoes

1

: a deep reddish blue

2

: indigo plant

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

On the design side, Ahmed said designers will capture an organic aesthetic through natural indigo tones and earthy hues. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 7 Jan. 2025

Hypnotic Aura Dark and moody, this combo of black and indigo make for a striking aura nail. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

Women’s styles include the Designer, an indigo balloon-sleeve bootcut jumpsuit with Hudson’s signature flap back pockets; the Collaborator, a black sleeveless relaxed straight coverall; and the Creator, a wide-leg indigo jumpsuit with a strapless sweetheart neckline. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 11 Dec. 2024

This set of patchwork napkins shows off their indigo fabric finds. —Megan Wahn, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing indigo

• indigo bunting
• indigo plant
• indigo snake
• wild indigo

Kids Definition

indigo

noun

in·​di·​go ˈin-di-ˌgō 

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 

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

: indigo plant