orange

noun or·ange \ ˈär-inj , ˈär(-ə)nj ; chiefly Northern & Midland ȯr-inj , ˈȯr(-ə)nj \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Definition of orange

1 a : a globose berry with a yellowish to reddish-orange rind and a sweet edible pulp

He peeled an orange.

b : any of various small evergreen citrus trees (genus Citrus) with glossy ovate leaves, hard yellow wood, fragrant white flowers, and fruits that are oranges

2 : any of several trees or fruits resembling the orange

3 : any of a group of colors that are between red and yellow in hue

Orange is about midway between red and yellow in hue.

See orange defined for English-language learners

See orange defined for kids

Recent Examples of orange from the Web

Work crews of middle-aged women dressed in bright orange can be seen at all hours planting flowers and ripping out weeds on the grassy verges around town.

— The Economist, "What life is like for ordinary North Koreans," 26 May 2018
On the side of the mailbox are angel wings painted in orange, Wesley's favorite color, WTKR reported.

— joe marusak, charlotteobserver, "Boy was swept away at sea. Outer Banks town dedicates ‘mailbox of hope’ to his memory | Charlotte Observer," 25 May 2018
The same can’t necessarily be said of Leica’s pricier Sofort ($300, leica-camera.com), which looks awfully similar to the SQ6, albeit in orange or mint, with nearly equal results.

— paul schrodt, WSJ, "The Nostalgic Appeal of Instant Cameras—and Why They’re Back," 24 May 2018
The restaurant, which will be decorated in white, black and orange, will be counter service, with seats at a counter and tables.

— carol deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mini-burger chain Burgerim is coming to Milwaukee's downtown," 22 May 2018
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Church for a commemoration in the parish gardens. Honoring Jennie with her favorite warm colors, all are invited to wear something in yellow, pink, or orange to the wake and funeral.

— courant.com, "Genevieve T. Stachelek," 14 May 2018
Playing in the orange, white and blue pinstriped uniforms of their late-90s predecessors, the current Padres beat the Cardinals 2-1 on a walk-off double down the right field line by Eric Hosmer in the 13th inning.

— kevin acee, sandiegouniontribune.com, "On day Padres celebrate past, Eric Hosmer's walk-off lifts Padres past Cardinals," 12 May 2018
The essential oils in the orange express the citrus characters that can be detected in Woodford Reserve.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "A bourbon tasting game will amp up your Kentucky Derby party," 11 Apr. 2018
In what had been a free flowing tournament draped in the orange of Holland, their unique style of play setting the tone for teams still deploying the system today, Bild's smearing of their professionalism truly rocked the boat.

— SI.com, "World Cup Countdown: 11 Weeks to Go - 'Cruyff, Champagne and Naked Girls'," 6 Apr. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of orange

Middle English, from Anglo-French orrange, araunge, from Old Occitan auranja, from Arabic nāranj, from Persian nārang, from Sanskrit nāraṅga orange tree

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1532

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

orange

adjective

Definition of orange

1 : of or relating to the orange

2 : of the color orange

Recent Examples of orange from the Web

Chidester also asked Kyres to provide clothing for Priestas, who appeared in court in an orange jumpsuit and rubber shoes, with handcuffs around his ankles and wrists.

— amy lavalley, Post-Tribune, "Man accused of beating pugs to death returns to court; trial date set," 5 June 2018
Kratz, clad in an orange prison jumpsuit, answered the judge’s questions politely and showed little emotion.

— erin mccarthy, Philly.com, "Lawyer for Sean Kratz, accused with Cosmo DiNardo of murders on Bucks County farm, says he will investigate release of incriminating tapes," 23 May 2018
DeAngelo, in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffed to a wheelchair, appeared alongside Howard.

— NBC News, "Golden State Killer suspect Joseph DeAngelo fights DNA collection effort," 3 May 2018
DeAngelo, in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffed to a wheelchair, appeared alongside Howard.

— kathleen ronayne, USA TODAY, "Accused Golden State Killer's lawyer moves to halt search warrant," 3 May 2018
The prisoners ditched their orange jumpsuits, flung blankets over the razor wire fence, and busted out.

— michelle weber, Longreads, "Goodness, How Delicious, Eating Goober Peas," 2 May 2018
On Friday, April 20th, which was both the anniversary of the Columbine School Shooting and the day of the second National School Walkout of the year, anti-gun violence movement leader Emma González wore an orange jumpsuit.

— alyssa hardy, Teen Vogue, "Emma González Wears an Orange Jumpsuit for the National School Walkout," 20 Apr. 2018
Wallace told the jury to expect some of the witnesses to be wearing orange jumpsuits from the county jail.

— ashley remkus, AL.com, "Man on trial for capital murder in shooting that killed teen, injured woman," 17 Apr. 2018
Leannais, handcuffed in an orange jumpsuit, sobbed throughout the family's comments and while reading his apology to them.

— cory shaffer, cleveland.com, "Cleveland man who accidentally killed dinner-party guest after Facebook Live broadcast gets 5 years in prison," 13 Apr. 2018

Origin and Etymology of orange

see ¹orange

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1542

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Color Terms

argentine, cerise, cerulean, cyan, ocher, perse, puce, taupe, vermilion

Orange

adjective

Definition of Orange

: of, relating to, or sympathizing with Orangemen

—

Orangeism

play \ˈär-in-ˌji-zəm, ˈär(ə-)n-, ˈȯr-in-, ˈȯr(ə-)n-\ noun

First Known Use of orange

1795

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Orange

geographical name Or·ange \ ˈär-inj , ˈär(-ə)nj , ˈȯr-inj , ˈȯr(-ə)nj \

Definition of Orange

1 city in southwestern California north of Santa Ana population 136,416

2 river 1300 miles (2092 kilometers) long in southern Africa flowing from the Drakensberg Mountains in Lesotho west into the Atlantic Ocean

Orange

geographical name \ ȯ-ˈräⁿzh \

Definition of Orange

city in southeastern France north of Avignon population 29,135

ORANGE Defined for English Language Learners

orange

noun

Definition of orange for English Language Learners

: a citrus fruit that is round and that has an orange skin
: a color between red and yellow that is like the color of fire and carrots

ORANGE Defined for Kids

orange

noun or·ange \ ˈȯr-inj \

Definition of orange for Students

1 : a color between red and yellow : the color of a carrot

2 : a sweet juicy citrus fruit with orange colored rind that grows on an evergreen tree with shining leaves and fragrant white flowers

Medical Dictionary

orange

noun or·ange \ ˈär-inj , ˈȯr- \

medical Definition of orange

1 a : a globose berry with a yellowish to reddish orange rind and a sweet edible pulp

b : any of various rather small evergreen trees (genus Citrus) with ovate leaves, hard yellow wood, fragrant white flowers, and fruits that are oranges

2 often capitalized : agent orange