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

russet

2 of 2

adjective

: of the color russet

Examples of russet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Most apple varieties ripen in shades of red, yellow, russet, or brown. Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 6 Aug. 2026 If the infestation is severe, the underside of leaves and fruit might also turn bronze or russet in color. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 July 2026 The restaurant is using 40-count russets from Sun Valley Potatoes, weighing about 1 1/4 pounds each, and also partnered with Westside Drive In to offer the ice cream potato for dessert. Jim Keyser. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 27 June 2026 Pine snakes can grow up to 56 inches in length, have black, brown, and russet scales with dark blotches along their backs, and are noted for having a pointed nose, which experts believe may help with burrowing. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for russet

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of russet was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Russet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/russet. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

russet

1 of 2 noun
1
: coarse homespun usually reddish brown cloth
2
: a reddish brown
3
: any of various usually late-ripening apples that have rough mostly russet-colored skins

russet

2 of 2 adjective
: of the color russet
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