Illustration of periwinkle
- periwinkle a
per·i·win·kle
ˈper-i-ˌwiŋ-kəl 
1
: any of several trailing or woody evergreen herbs of the dogbane family: such as
a(1)
: a European creeper (Vinca minor) widely cultivated as a ground cover and for its blue or white flowers
called also myrtle
(2)
: a trailing plant (Vinca major) with large blue flowers that is used as a ground cover and in window boxes
b
2
: a light purplish blue
called also periwinkle blue
: any of various gastropod mollusks: such as
a
: any of a genus (Littorina) of edible littoral marine snails
also
: any of various similar or related marine snails
b
: any of several North American freshwater snails
Examples of periwinkle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 June 2026
Endless Summer Twist-N-Shout This gorgeous variety showcases elegant lacecap blooms in vibrant pink or periwinkle blue, featuring a cluster of small fertile florets at the center.
—
Sj McShane,
Martha Stewart,
29 June 2026
At the 2023 premiere of her Eras Tour film in Los Angeles, Swift went for the same vintage glam look in a strapless, periwinkle blue, cut-out floral gown with a sweetheart bodice and full skirt.
—
Morgan Evans,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
In May, her Draper James label teamed with Soludos on five warm-weather styles spanning embroidered smoking slippers, sneakers, Mary Janes and an eyelet wedge in periwinkle and soft ivory, with pops of red and navy detailing.
—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for periwinkle
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Noun
An outdoor side table in the same periwinkle blue as your kitchen island cabinetry, or persimmon pillows in an outdoor fabric that picks up a tone from your dining room drapes, can create continuity between indoor and outdoor zones.
—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 June 2026
Endless Summer Twist-N-Shout This gorgeous variety showcases elegant lacecap blooms in vibrant pink or periwinkle blue, featuring a cluster of small fertile florets at the center.
—
Sj McShane,
Martha Stewart,
29 June 2026
At the 2023 premiere of her Eras Tour film in Los Angeles, Swift went for the same vintage glam look in a strapless, periwinkle blue, cut-out floral gown with a sweetheart bodice and full skirt.
—
Morgan Evans,
USA Today,
25 June 2026
In May, her Draper James label teamed with Soludos on five warm-weather styles spanning embroidered smoking slippers, sneakers, Mary Janes and an eyelet wedge in periwinkle and soft ivory, with pops of red and navy detailing.
—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for periwinkle
Cite this Entry
“Periwinkle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periwinkle. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
periwinkle
1 of 2 noun
per·i·win·kle
ˈper-i-ˌwiŋ-kəl
: an evergreen herb that spreads along the ground and has shiny leaves and blue or white flowers
periwinkle
2 of 2 noun1
: any of various small edible marine snails of coastal regions
2
: the shell of a periwinkle
Etymology
Noun
Old English perwince "periwinkle vine," from Latin pervinca (same meaning)
Noun
Old English pinewincle "an edible sea snail"
Medical Definition
periwinkle
noun
per·i·win·kle
ˈper-i-ˌwiŋ-kəl
: any of several trailing or woody evergreen plants of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae)
especially
: rosy periwinkle
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