Auburn
/ˈɔːbərn/
adjectiveBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
Having a reddish-brown color.
/ˈɔːbərn/
adjectiveneutralBeginner
General
Of a reddish-brown color, especially of hair.
His auburn beard contrasted sharply with his pale skin.
💡 Simply: Reddish-brown.
More Examples
2
The horse's coat was a rich, auburn hue.
How It's Used
Descriptive
"She had beautiful, auburn hair."
From Old French aubrune, from a derivative of Latin ruber ('red'). Originally referred to a reddish-brown color of hair, then extended to other contexts.
Historically, the term was more specifically used for reddish-brown hair, with less emphasis on the brown component.
Memory tip
Think of 'burn' and the reddish tones of something burned.
Practice
aubernauburnnauurn
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written