russet

noun rus·set \ ˈrə-sət \

|Updated on: 5 Jul 2018

Definition of russet

1 : coarse homespun usually reddish-brown cloth

2 : a reddish brown

3 : any of various apples having rough russet-colored skins

4 : a usually large elongated potato especially suited for baking

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Recent Examples of russet from the Web

There’s also a hefty rectangular coffee table crafted from a single slab of red Languedoc marble, which the designer says reminds him of a raw piece of meat with its russet-and-white swirl pattern.

— alicia brunker, New York Times, "In His Paris Apartment, Alexis Mabille Creates a Singular Universe," 31 May 2018
Since 2014, his program has introduced four potato varieties; in addition to the pinto gold, there were the Easton and the Sebec, both released in 2014, followed in 2015 by the Caribou russet.

— dugan arnett, BostonGlobe.com, "In northern Maine, a new spud rises," 12 June 2018
Devil's Lake State Park Wisconsin's most popular state park holds that crown for a reason, with dramatic 500-foot russet bluffs surrounding a 360-acre lake.

— lainey seyler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Happy 170th birthday, Wisconsin! Here are 17 reasons why we love our state," 29 May 2018
The gorge unfurled through tunnels of forest and dog rose, opening onto russet glades of wildflowers throbbing with bees.

— henry wismayer, WSJ, "Undiscovered Europe: A Vacation Like No Other," 23 May 2018
For now, Sadler just obsesses over a detailed receipt for the vehicle with an ebony russet interior, premium leather, 20 speakers with subwoofers, and the technology, cargo, and towing packages.

— phoebe wall howard, Philly.com, "$92,000 Navigator delivery delayed - 'I want my toy!' buyer laments," 17 Apr. 2018
To the land-ward, russet marsh grass struck an appropriately autumnal note on this magnificently clear day with the forest ridges very blue and distinct to the west.

— aaron gilbreath, Longreads, "As Innocuous as Plant No. 1," 10 Apr. 2018
Adding potatoes to beef stew is always a good idea, but no one says those potatoes have to be russets.

— sheri castle, charlotteobserver, "It’s chilly, you’re hungry: Yep, this is the time for great Southern dumplings | Charlotte Observer," 23 Jan. 2018
Adding potatoes to beef stew is always a good idea, but no one says those potatoes have to be russets.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Southern dumpling recipes: Warm-the-belly comfort food," 21 Jan. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of russet

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from russet, adjective, russet, from rus, rous red, from Latin russus; akin to Latin ruber red — more at red

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First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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russet

adjective

Definition of russet

: of the color russet

First Known Use of russet

15th century

in the meaning defined above

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RUSSET Defined for English Language Learners

russet

noun

Definition of russet for English Language Learners

: a reddish-brown color

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