: 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
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Besides brown, whole-grain rice comes in colors such as black, gold, red, and violet.—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025 Graciano wines are highly aromatic, with intense floral and fruity notes featuring blackberry, cherry, and plum, along with hints of violet, herbs, and sometimes tobacco.—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 And we’re obsessed with the shade lineup—think soft lilac (an unexpectedly flattering hue that brightens and softens brown eyes), emerald, and violet for eyes that mesmerize.—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Feb. 2025 The notes of clementine, freesia, floral, citrus and violet are unique and mysterious, yet clean and invigorating.—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for violet
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
: 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
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