Dictionary

scarlet letter

noun

Definition of SCARLET LETTER

:  a scarlet A worn as a punitive mark of adultery
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of SCARLET LETTER

from such a letter in the novel The Scarlet Letter (1850) by Nathaniel Hawthorne
First Known Use: 1850

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: scarlet lightningPrevious Word in the Dictionary: scarlet larkspurAll Words Near: scarlet letter
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears