hazel

1 of 2

noun

ha·​zel ˈhā-zəl 

1

: any of a genus (Corylus and especially the American C. americana and the European C. avellana) of shrubs or small trees of the birch family bearing nuts enclosed in a leafy involucre

2

: a light brown to strong yellowish brown

hazel

2 of 2

adjective

1

: consisting of hazels or of the wood of the hazel

2

a

: of the color hazel

b

of eyes : of a variable color averaging light greenish-grayish brown

Examples of hazel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The hazel tree or shrub is a producer of a variety of products. —Vicky Yip, Parents, 2 July 2024

Best Buy has all three colors, hazel, obsidian and porcelain at this price. —David Phelan, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

Adjective

The missing woman is described as 5 feet 10 inches and about 140 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes, a knife tattoo on her forearm and freckles on her face, according to a Los Angeles Police Department news release. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024

The Oak Eye Kentucky bourbon whiskey, apple pie moonshine, and hazel nut liquor–a extra special treat with Graeter’s vanilla ice cream (another Cincy delicacy)–make a visit worthwhile. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English hasel, from Old English hæsel; akin to Old High German hasal hazel, Latin corulus

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hazel

• hazel dormouse
• hazel hen
• hazel mouse
• witch hazel

Kids Definition

hazel

noun

ha·​zel

ˈhā-zəl

1

: any of a genus of shrubs or small trees related to birches and bearing edible nuts enclosed in a leafy case

2

: a light brown to a strong yellowish brown

hazel adjective