hazel

1 of 2

noun

ha·​zel ˈhā-zəl 

1

: any of a genus (Corylus and especially the American C. americana and the European C. avellana) of shrubs or small trees of the birch family bearing nuts enclosed in a leafy involucre

2

: a light brown to strong yellowish brown

hazel

2 of 2

adjective

1

: consisting of hazels or of the wood of the hazel

2

a

: of the color hazel

b

of eyes : of a variable color averaging light greenish-grayish brown

Examples of hazel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Celts and Druids believed that hazel trees were sacred and that eating hazelnuts gave people wisdom. —Vicky Yip, Parents, 2 July 2024

Witch Hazel Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can reduce itching and swelling. —Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 27 May 2024

Adjective

He is reported to be about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, with hazel eyes, light or white complexion, and dark hair. —Jaida Joyner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2024

Also included in the Chanel bag is a St. Ives grapefruit product, a can of Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Nasal Care Daily Relief Mist Spray, a bottle of Excedrin, and what appears to be a set of hazel contact lenses. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 12 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English hasel, from Old English hæsel; akin to Old High German hasal hazel, Latin corulus

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hazel

• hazel dormouse
• hazel hen
• hazel mouse
• witch hazel

Kids Definition

hazel

noun

ha·​zel

ˈhā-zəl

1

: any of a genus of shrubs or small trees related to birches and bearing edible nuts enclosed in a leafy case

2

: a light brown to a strong yellowish brown

hazel adjective