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

As for her glam, Palmer opted to show off her voluminous auburn hair, which was styled with soft curls that cascaded down her shoulders. —Julia Teti, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025

Her auburn hair was styled straight with fringe to frame her face. —Julia Teti, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025

Noun

Keke Palmer has been all about the color throughout her One of Them Days press tour, experimenting with a bronzy copper bob one day and dimensional auburn the next, and Bella Hadid added a few burgundy highlights to her dark hair. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Jan. 2025

The actress wore the Tiffany & Co. Archives earrings in platinum with diamonds, Tiffany & Co. Archives bracelet in platinum with diamonds and statement ring in platinum with diamonds also by Tiffany & Co. Aniston opted to wear her signature auburn locks in a layered, straight look with a side part. —Julia Teti, WWD, 15 Sep. 2024

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