ombre

noun

om·bre | \ ˈäm-bər

How to pronounce ombre (audio)

; ˈäm-brē, ˈəm-, -ˌbrā\

Definition of ombre

(Entry 1 of 2)

: an old three-handed card game popular in Europe especially in the 17th and 18th centuries

ombré

adjective

om·bré | \ ˈäm-ˌbrā

How to pronounce ombré (audio)

\

Definition of ombré (Entry 2 of 2)

: having colors or tones that shade into each other —used especially of fabrics in which the color is graduated from light to dark

Other Words from ombre Example Sentences Learn More about ombre

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Examples of ombre in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Duff has officially said goodbye to her signature warm, beachy ombre look and debuted a brand new, icy platinum blonde shade all over. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Hilary Duff Swapped Her Ombré Hair for a Kylie Jenner-esque Platinum Blonde Makeover," 27 Nov. 2018 The homage was spot on, though Ellis-Ross did add her own twist, namely ombre Christian Louboutin pumps and a sleek bowl cut. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Diana Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross Pulled Off a Mother-Daughter Style Moment for the Ages," 27 Mar. 2019 One fan got especially lavish with their creation, and showed off a manicure with an ombre effect, flower decals, and the song title. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Manicures Inspired by Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” Have Arrived on Instagram," 26 Nov. 2018 In the living area, a Jesmonite drum table, designed by Pinch, has a white and charcoal ombre effect that mimics the blue-green ombre of the Calico Wallpaper linen. — Laura Mauk-caines, SFChronicle.com, "SF boutique Future Perfect is also its founder’s apartment," 15 June 2018 When the sun sparkles through the bed of ombre purple-to-pink tulips at Smale Park, thank the park workers. — Jennie Key, Cincinnati.com, "Tulips rescued in Smale Park were worth the effort," 1 May 2018 Washed denim corset dresses are embroidered with blossoms, ruffles tier down maxi dresses and frame the shoulders of mini dresses, and the ombre colors on diaphanous dresses evoke the tie-dyes of hippiedom past. — Adam Tschorn, latimes.com, "A post-Coachella Beyoncé pop-in helps highlight the Dundas label's Melrose Avenue pop-up shop," 25 Apr. 2018 The ombre detail is also comparable, as is the rainbow of color offerings. — Lindsey Murray, Good Housekeeping, "People Are Comparing This $50 Dutch Oven to Le Creuset," 2 Apr. 2018 Once there was an ombre paint effect that faded as the tower reached the sky. — Cailey Rizzo, Smithsonian, "The Eiffel Tower Could Be Repainted Its Original Vibrant Color," 20 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ombre.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for ombre

Noun

French or Spanish; French hombre, from Spanish, literally, man — more at hombre

Adjective

French, past participle of ombrer to shade, from Italian ombrare, from ombra shade, from Latin umbra — more at umbrage

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