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

The compound is suitable for indigo and black denim and is compatible with Officina39’s Recycrom, Novantic and Nebudye dyestuff. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Sep. 2024

Inevitably, that gorgeous indigo is starting to fade somewhat at the knee, revealing the bluer tones underneath, along with slight whiskering at the front and lightening at the corners of the back pockets. —Josh Condon, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2024

Today, the classic indigo textile remains a staple in her wardrobe. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 4 Sep. 2024

Fabrics feature authentic salt and pepper effects and medium-dark indigo shades with a red cast. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 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