Definition of Purple

  • (n.) A color formed by, or resembling that formed by, a combination of the primary colors red and blue.
  • (n.) Cloth dyed a purple color, or a garment of such color; especially, a purple robe, worn as an emblem of rank or authority; specifically, the purple rode or mantle worn by Roman emperors as the emblem of imperial dignity; as, to put on the imperial purple.
  • (n.) Hence: Imperial sovereignty; royal rank, dignity, or favor; loosely and colloquially, any exalted station; great wealth.
  • (n.) A cardinalate. See Cardinal.
  • (n.) Any species of large butterflies, usually marked with purple or blue, of the genus Basilarchia (formerly Limenitis) as, the banded purple (B. arthemis). See Illust. under Ursula.
  • (n.) Any shell of the genus Purpura.
  • (n.) See Purpura.
  • (n.) A disease of wheat. Same as Earcockle.
  • (a.) Exhibiting or possessing the color called purple, much esteemed for its richness and beauty; of a deep red, or red and blue color; as, a purple robe.
  • (a.) Imperial; regal; -- so called from the color having been an emblem of imperial authority.
  • (a.) Blood-red; bloody.
  • (v. t.) To make purple; to dye of purple or deep red color; as, hands purpled with blood.

Antonyms of Purple


No Antonyms Found.

Homophones of Purple


No Homophones Found.