auburn

1 of 2

adjective

au·​burn ˈȯ-bərn 

1

: of the color auburn

2

: of a reddish-brown color

auburn

2 of 2

noun

: a moderate brown

Examples of auburn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Photo: Backgrid Palmer wore her auburn hair slicked back in a tight bun, polished up by celebrity hairstylist Davontae’ Washington—a super elevated classic up-do, sculpted and smooth. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025

Her long auburn hair was styled with a middle part and long, cascading soft waves down to her waist courtesy of Kira Dior. —Julia Teti, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025

Noun

Palmer wore her auburn tresses in waves, while her makeup consisted of a smoky eye, pink blush and burgundy lip liner. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025

In the video, Megan's hair is a coppery red shade, leaning more bright ginger than dark auburn or a true primary-color red. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English auborne blond, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin alburnus whitish, from Latin alburnum sapwood

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1613, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

auburn

adjective

au·​burn

ˈȯ-bərn

: of a reddish brown color

auburn hair

Geographical Definition

Auburn

geographical name

Au·​burn ˈȯ-bərn 

1

city in eastern Alabama population 53,380

Note: Auburn University is located in Auburn, Alabama.

2

city on the Androscoggin River in southwestern Maine population 23,055

3

city in central New York population 27,687

4

city east-northeast of Tacoma in western Washington population 70,180