purple passage

noun

1
: a passage conspicuous for brilliance or effectiveness in a work that is dull, commonplace, or uninspired
2
chiefly British : a piece of obtrusively ornate writing

called also purple patch

Examples of purple passage in a Sentence

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.
Writers inevitably fall in love with their more purple passages. Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

translation of Latin pannus purpureus purple patch; from the traditional splendor of purple cloth as contrasted with plainer materials

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purple passage was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near purple passage

Cite this Entry

“Purple passage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purple%20passage. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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