variants or ochre
1
: an earthy usually red or yellow and often impure iron ore used as a pigment
2
: the color of ocher
especially : the color of yellow ocher
ocherous adjective
or ochreous
ˈō-k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce ocher (audio)
-krē-əs

Examples of ocher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nightmare-level ocher to emerald to deep-black darkness. Leanne Shapton, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 To learn more about the unusual rock, the researchers first confirmed that the red dot was ocher, a natural pigment made from clay. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025 Analysis showed that the red dot consisted of ocher, a natural earth pigment. Peter Guo, NBC news, 28 May 2025 But look deeper and the mineral-rich soil almost takes on a jewel-like sparkle, with shades of rose, coral, and ocher. Julia Chaplin, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ocher

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oker, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French ocre, from Latin ochra, from Greek ōchra, from feminine of ōchros yellow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ocher was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ocher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ocher. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ocher

noun
variants or ochre
1
: an earthy usually red or yellow and often impure iron ore used as coloring matter
2
: the color of yellow ocher

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