brunette

1 of 2

noun

bru·​nette brü-ˈnet 

variants or less commonly brunet

: a person having brown hair

—usually used of a woman or girl and usually spelled brunette in that use

—when used of a man or boy usually spelled brunet

brunette

2 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly brunet

: of a dark brown color

brunette hair

also : having brunette hair

a brunette woman

—usually used of a woman or girl and usually spelled brunette in that use

—when used of a man or boy usually spelled brunet

Synonyms of brunette

Adjective

• dark
• black
• swarthy

Examples of brunette in a Sentence

Adjective

two of the kids were brunette like their mom

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Foy’s brunette hair was styled with a bob and choppy, natural waves by hairstylist Gareth Bromell. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Jan. 2026

Novobielski likes to stain grays a few shades lighter on natural brunettes, similar to this style seen on Amal Clooney. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026

Her long brunette hair was Olsen-tuckified into her scarf. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Many also recalled Madix's brunette moment on Love Island earlier this year. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French brunet, masculine, brunette, feminine, brownish, from Old French, from brun brown, from Medieval Latin brunus, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German brūn brown

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1539, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1709, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for brunette

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• burette
• cadet