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

What to Expect Early to mid-October is the peak season for fall colors along the Enchanted Circle, where Wheeler Peak and nearby mountain passes offer expansive views of golden aspens, auburn pines, and evergreens. —Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025

Leighton Meester has gone back a wavy lob after appearing at the 2025 Emmys with mid-length auburn hair, while her romantic Pride & Prejudice bangs have grown long enough to pin back behind her ears. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 21 Sep. 2025

Noun

Her auburn highlights add a fun pop of color and dimension to her dark brown hair. —Audrey Noble, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026

Myrtle is much better matched by the title creature itself, a one-eyed puffball (Americans might compare it to the ‘90s Post Honeycomb cereal mascot) that flits and flies around with its luxuriant auburn coat fluttering in the breeze. —Katie Rife, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 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