Vermillion meaning : A vivid red synthetic pigment made of mercury sulfide. A bright orange-red colour. A type of red dye worn in the parting of the hair by married Hindu women. The red skin of the lips or its border with the skin of the face. The kermes or cochineal insect. The cochineal dye made from this insect. To color or paint vermilion. Having a brilliant red colour. Having the color of the vermilion dye.