1 cochineal | Definition of cochineal
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

cochineal

noun
co·​chi·​neal | \ ˈkä-chə-ˌnēl How to pronounce cochineal (audio) , ˈkō-\

Definition of cochineal

1 : a red dye consisting of the dried bodies of female cochineal insects
2 : cochineal insect

Examples of cochineal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The paintings are by Metsu and Ter Borch, the compositions and concepts subtly varied, yet each includes an elegant young woman in a shimmering white silk skirt and a cochineal-red bodice. — Karen Wilkin, WSJ, "‘Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting: Inspiration and Rivalry’ Review: Conversing via Canvas," 23 Oct. 2017 Starbucks was using what is called a cochineal dye, which is a natural dye derived from insects, to color its strawberry Frappuccinos. — Joe Pinsker, The Atlantic, "Americans’ Bizarre Relationship With the Color of Their Food," 8 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cochineal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of cochineal

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for cochineal

Middle French & Spanish; Middle French cochenille, from Old Spanish cochinilla cochineal insect

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for cochineal

cochineal

noun
co·​chi·​neal | \ ˈkäch-ə-ˌnēl, ˈkō-chə- How to pronounce cochineal (audio) \

Medical Definition of cochineal

: a red dye consisting of the dried bodies of female cochineal insects used especially as a biological stain and as an indicator

More from Merriam-Webster on cochineal

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with cochineal

Britannica English: Translation of cochineal for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cochineal

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!