ruddy

/ˈrʌdi/

/ˈrʌdi/

Other forms: ruddier; ruddily; ruddiest

Ruddy is used to describe something that is reddish — like the color of red hair, tomatoes, or a friend's cheeks on a cold winter's day.

Ruddy is commonly used to describe someone's complexion. In this case, it describes a healthy, reddish glow. If you're normally pale, your skin might have a ruddy tone from working outside. You may hear someone use ruddy as a negative adjective, as well. In Britain it is a substitute for words like bloody or darn: "The ruddy door is stuck again. I'm going to take an axe to it!"

Definitions of ruddy

1. adjective

   inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life
   “a ruddy complexion”

   synonyms: florid, rubicund, sanguine

   healthy

   having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease
2. adjective

   of the color between orange and purple in the color spectrum; resembling the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies
   synonyms: blood-red, carmine, cerise, cherry, cherry-red, crimson, red, reddish, ruby, ruby-red, scarlet

   chromatic

   being, having, or characterized by hue