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

Lyonne has been rocking her longer auburn red hair and bangs during recent red carpet appearances. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 22 June 2026

Mary-Kate, on the other hand, let her side bangs do their thing, while the rest of her auburn hair mingled around her. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 June 2026

Noun

Next, Appleton layered the color using Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA Vibrance, combining rich copper, cinnamon and warm auburn tones to create dimension rather than one flat red. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

To embody the creepy character, the Oscar winner’s strawberry blonde hair appeared to be multiple shades darker, akin to an auburn hue, while a fresh set of fringe grazes her brow bone. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 July 2026

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