Logo
dictionary thesaurus

pink

noun (1)
\ ˈpiŋk How to pronounce pink (audio) \

Definition of pink

 (Entry 1 of 5)

: a ship with a narrow overhanging stern

— called also pinkie

pink

noun (2)

Definition of pink (Entry 2 of 5)

1 : any of a genus (Dianthus of the family Caryophyllaceae, the pink family) of chiefly Eurasian herbs having usually pink, red, or white flowers
2a : the very embodiment : paragon
b(1) : one dressed in the height of fashion
(2) : elite
c : highest degree possible : height keep their house in the pink of repair— Rebecca West
in the pink
: in the best of health or condition

pink

noun (3)

Definition of pink (Entry 3 of 5)

1 : any of a group of colors bluish red to red in hue, of medium to high lightness, and of low to moderate saturation
2a : the scarlet color of a fox hunter's coat also : a fox hunter's coat of this color
b : pink-colored clothing
c pinks plural : light-colored trousers formerly worn by army officers
3 : pinko

pink

adjective

Definition of pink (Entry 4 of 5)

1 : of the color pink
2 : holding moderately radical and usually socialistic political or economic views
3 : emotionally moved : excited —often used as an intensive tickled pink

pink

verb
pinked; pinking; pinks

Definition of pink (Entry 5 of 5)

transitive verb

1a : to perforate in an ornamental pattern
b : to cut a saw-toothed edge on
2a : pierce, stab
b : to wound by irony, criticism, or ridicule
Other Words from pink Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about pink

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from pink

Adjective

pinkness noun

Did You Know?

Verb

Our unabridged dictionary, Webster's Third New International, includes 13 distinct entries for "pink," whereas our abridged volume, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate, satisfies itself with the five most common. (Words get distinct entries in our dictionaries when they have different etymologies or different parts of speech.) Today's "pink," the only verb of the five, is from a Middle English word meaning "to thrust." Of the remaining four, the only "pink" older than the verb (which dates to 1503) is a 15th century noun referring to a kind of ship. The next-oldest noun has since 1573 referred to a genus of herbs. The noun referring to the color pink and its related adjective date to 1678 and 1720, respectively. Evidence suggests that a new verb "pink" - a synonym of the verb "pink-slip" - is also emerging.

Examples of pink in a Sentence

Adjective

 Her dress is pale pink.

Verb

 accidentally pinked my shoulder with his fencing sword

First Known Use of pink

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

circa 1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1503, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for pink

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Middle Dutch pinke

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Verb

Middle English, to thrust

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for pink

pink

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of pink

: of the color pink

See the full definition for pink in the English Language Learners Dictionary

WORD OF THE DAY

impetus

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!