scarlet pimpernel

noun

1
: a European pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis synonym Lysimachia arvensis) naturalized in North America and having scarlet, white, or purplish flowers that close in cloudy weather
2
[Scarlet Pimpernel, assumed name of the hero of The Scarlet Pimpernel (1905), novel by Baroness Orczy] : a person who rescues others from mortal danger by smuggling them across a border

Did you know?

In 1903, Hungarian-born playwright and novelist Baroness Emmuska Orczy introduced the world to Sir Percy Blakeney, ostensibly a foppish English aristocrat, but secretly a swashbuckling hero known as "The Scarlet Pimpernel" who rescued aristocrats from certain death in the French Revolution by smuggling them to England. In The Scarlet Pimpernel, Blakeney's character used a drawing of a small, red, star-shaped flower known in England as a "scarlet pimpernel" as a signature of his involvement in an escape. The popularity of Orczy's novel prompted English speakers to start using "scarlet pimpernel" for any daring hero who smuggled those in danger to a safe haven in another country. Today it is also sometimes used more broadly for a person who is daring, mysterious, or evasive.

Examples of scarlet pimpernel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Daisy chains, forget-me-nots, celandine and scarlet pimpernel are all featured. Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 28 July 2023 Her go-to designer incorporated flowers including daisy chains, forget-me-nots, celandine and scarlet pimpernel to signify Camilla's love of nature, gardening and the British countryside. Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 13 July 2023 The long-sleeve dress is made from a silk fabric with a dull luster finish, and additionally includes delicate gold and silver embroidery of flowers like daisy chains, forget-me-nots, celandine, and scarlet pimpernel, which are meant to represent the king and queen consort's love of nature. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 8 May 2023 Harper's Bazaar noted that a variety of gold and silver flowers (including daisies, forget-me-nots, celandine and scarlet pimpernel) represented the king and queen's love for all things nature. Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 7 May 2023 Embellishments include floral designs featuring strings of wildflowers such as forget-me-notes, daisy chains and celandine along with scarlet pimpernel, meant to indicate the royal couple's love of the British countryside and nature. Morgan Hines, USA TODAY, 6 May 2023 The fruit of the scarlet pimpernel plant, shown here, opens with a neatly hinged lid. Discover Magazine, 29 June 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarlet pimpernel was in 1835

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Cite this Entry

“Scarlet pimpernel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarlet%20pimpernel. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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