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

Her auburn hair was worn down with a middle part and her glam featured such standout elements as bold brows and lined eyes with glossy lips. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 3 July 2025

Prior to the auburn shade, Hewitt sported long blonde hair with sandy brunette highlights. —Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 May 2025

Noun

Those who frequent salons know that lightening one's hair is much longer, more delicate process than going in the other direction, and Stone has slowly been making her way back to auburn since switching to a dark brunette shade in the summer of 2024. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2025

As it’s grown, she’s added in more delicate shades of auburn and reddish chestnut. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Aug. 2025

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