violet

noun

vi·​o·​let ˈvī-(ə-)lət 

1

a

: any of a genus (Viola of the family Violaceae, the violet family) of chiefly herbs with alternate stipulate leaves and showy flowers in spring and often cleistogamous flowers in summer

especially : one with smaller usually solid-colored flowers as distinguished from the usually larger-flowered violas and pansies

b

: any of several plants of genera other than that of the violet compare dogtooth violet

2

: any of a group of colors of reddish-blue hue, low lightness, and medium saturation

Illustration of violet

• violet 1a

Examples of violet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some holiday decor alternatives that are non-toxic to pets include Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi), bromeliads (Tillandsia spp.), African violets (Streptocarpus sect. —Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024

An incredible bouquet on this Cabernet Franc with violets, tree bark and graphite that has a linear drive with pristine raspberry fruit intertwined with orange blossoms with delicate tannins that come across like fine lace. —Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Notes: Cardamom, iris, violet, sandalwood, cedarwood, smoky wood alloy, leather accord This Smells Like: A spicy, woody leather. —Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

This long-lasting fresh scent offers notes of magnolia petals, violet leaves, and green bamboo that automatically evokes a sense of calm. —Kayla Greaves, Essence, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, from viole "the violet flower" (going back to Latin viola "any of various spring flowers, as Viola odorata," derivative of a base vi- of Mediterranean substratal origin, as also Greek íon "the color violet") + -et -et entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing violet

• African violet
• bird's-foot violet
• crystal violet
• dogtooth violet
• gentian violet
• shrinking violet

Kids Definition

violet

noun

vi·​o·​let ˈvī-ə-lət 

1

a

: any of a genus of mostly herbs that often produce showy fragrant flowers in the spring and small closed self-pollinated flowers without petals in the summer

b

: any of several plants of other genera compare dogtooth violet

2

: a reddish blue