sorrel

1 of 2

noun (1)

sor·​rel ˈsȯr-əl 

ˈsär-

1

: a sorrel-colored animal

especially : a light bright chestnut horse often with a mane and tail of lighter color (such as flaxen) compare chestnut entry 1 sense 4, bay entry 2 sense 1

2

: a brownish orange to light brown

sorrel

2 of 2

noun (2)

: any of various plants or plant parts with sour juice: such as

a

: any of various docks (such as Rumex acetosa and R. acetosella)

also : the leaves used as a potherb

b

: wood sorrel

Examples of sorrel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While sorrel inspires its character, this isn’t the sweet holiday drink — instead, hibiscus notes balance the champagne-style effervescence, adding complexity. —Essence, 18 Nov. 2025

Instructor and researcher Mila Berhane was encouraging local farmers to try planting Hibiscus sabdariffa (also known as Jamaica sorrel), a subtropical native African species that’s long been grown throughout Asia and the Americas but is still gaining traction in the U.S. —Maggie Heyn Richardson, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025

Fall is a good time to plant perennials like garlic and sorrel. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 18 July 2025

Diners might discover new ingredients like Laotian coriander or French sorrel while supporting sustainable, socially responsible agriculture. —Karthika Gupta, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English sorel, noun & adjective, from Anglo-French, from sor red, auburn, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch soor dry, barren, Old English sēar dry — more at sere

Noun (2)

Middle English sorel, from Anglo-French surele, from sur, siur sour, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German sūr sour — more at sour

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sorrel

• sheep sorrel
• sorrel tree
• wood sorrel

Rhymes for sorrel

• aural
• chloral
• choral
• coral
• floral
• forel
• lauryl
• loral
• moral
• quarrel
• sorel
• toral

Kids Definition

sorrel

1 of 2 noun

sor·​rel ˈsȯr-əl 

ˈsär-

1

: a brownish orange to light brown

2

: a sorrel-colored animal

especially : a light reddish brown horse often with cream mane and tail

sorrel

2 of 2 noun

: any of various plants (as dock or wood sorrel) with sour juice