pigment

1 of 2

noun

pig·​ment ˈpig-mənt How to pronounce pigment (audio)
1
: a substance that imparts black or white or a color to other materials
especially : a powdered substance that is mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively insoluble and used especially to impart color to coating materials (such as paints) or to inks, plastics, and rubber
2
: a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue
also : any of various related colorless substances
pigmentary adjective

pigment

2 of 2

verb

pig·​ment ˈpig-ˌment How to pronounce pigment (audio)
-mənt
pigmented; pigmenting; pigments

transitive verb

: to color with or as if with pigment

Examples of pigment in a Sentence

Noun Chlorophyll is a group of green pigments. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to skin and fur. Albinos lack normal skin pigment. Pigments are used to give color to paint, ink, and plastic. Red pigment is mixed into the ink. Verb pigmented varnishes
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Line with a berry lip liner first for precision, then glide the pigment on. Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024 The paint was created by the British artist Stuart Temple using 64% real silver flakes and pigments blended into an acrylic paint suspension. Trinity Francis, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Number of Shades: 14 Finishes: Matte, metallic, duo chrome Best For: With varying degrees of sparkle and shine—from iridescent gold to highly pigmented, metallic bronze—this kit adds the finishing touch to an ethereal look. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024 The palette features 12 metallics and 12 mattes, all richly pigmented and complimentary of all skin tones. Annie Blackman, Allure, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pigment 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, spice, dye, from Latin pigmentum coloring substance, from pingere to paint — more at paint

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pigment was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pigment

Cite this Entry

“Pigment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigment. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pigment

noun
pig·​ment
ˈpig-mənt
1
: a substance that gives color to other materials
especially : a powder mixed with a liquid to give color
2
: a natural coloring matter in animals and plants
pigmented
-mənt-əd
-ˌment-
adjective

Medical Definition

pigment

noun
pig·​ment ˈpig-mənt How to pronounce pigment (audio)
: a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue
also : any of various related colorless substances

More from Merriam-Webster on pigment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!