sorrel

1 of 2

noun (1)

sor·​rel ˈsȯr-əl 

ˈsär-

1

: a sorrel-colored animal

especially : a light bright chestnut horse often with a mane and tail of lighter color (such as flaxen) compare chestnut entry 1 sense 4, bay entry 2 sense 1

2

: a brownish orange to light brown

sorrel

2 of 2

noun (2)

: any of various plants or plant parts with sour juice: such as

a

: any of various docks (such as Rumex acetosa and R. acetosella)

also : the leaves used as a potherb

b

: wood sorrel

Examples of sorrel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But truly, Moonlight is the property's gem for cocktails, and the Street Lights made with bourbon, sorrel, Campari, crème de pêche and piment d’Espelette is a must-order. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

The taste of French sorrel (Rumen scutatus) is slightly more refined. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 17 Oct. 2024

One interesting twist is the inclusion of sorrel and cowberry—botanicals that are native to the Highlands. —Emily Price, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024

My picks included parsley, chives and sorrel, although fresh spinach makes a fine substitute for the latter. —Laura McLively, The Mercury News, 14 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English sorel, noun & adjective, from Anglo-French, from sor red, auburn, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch soor dry, barren, Old English sēar dry — more at sere

Noun (2)

Middle English sorel, from Anglo-French surele, from sur, siur sour, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German sūr sour — more at sour

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sorrel

• sheep sorrel
• sorrel tree
• wood sorrel

Kids Definition

sorrel

1 of 2 noun

sor·​rel ˈsȯr-əl 

ˈsär-

1

: a brownish orange to light brown

2

: a sorrel-colored animal

especially : a light reddish brown horse often with cream mane and tail

sorrel

2 of 2 noun

: any of various plants (as dock or wood sorrel) with sour juice