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

This artificial potted plant features natural-looking faux hazel branches arranged together and comes potted inside a ceramic urn to complete the look. —Jen Cason, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2024

Witch hazel is known to have anti-inflammatory tannins, which can help soothe the pain caused by a sunburn. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2024

Adjective

From Rihanna’s hair to her hazel eyes, her skin and the backdrop of Versailles, the campaign shots scream everything golden. —Allyson Portee, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Aug. 2024

Surprise family mourns unexplained loss of man who died on the job New bridge over Interstate 10 near Willcox completed after deadly crash Ouma was described as a 25-year-old white woman, who was about 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 106 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair. —Annie Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 7 Aug. 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