taupe

noun

ˈtōp How to pronounce taupe (audio)
: a brownish gray

Examples of taupe 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.
Our picks include a taupe Aritzia quarter-zip in 100% cashmere, effortlessly styled with medium-wash denim and black accessories. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 Garczynski says to try neutrals like warm white or cream with limestone or taupe, as these hide dirt better and still play into nostalgia. — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 16 Aug. 2026 Ask for a neutral, dimensional mushroom blonde with blended roots and soft ribbons of beige and taupe. — Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026 An ivory canvas upper and taupe suede heel collar perfectly complement the white leather. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for taupe

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, mole, from Old French, from Latin talpa

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of taupe was circa 1909

Rhymes for taupe

See All Rhymes for taupe

Browse Nearby Words

Taunus
taupe
taupe brown
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Taupe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taupe. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

taupe

noun
ˈtōp How to pronounce taupe (audio)
: a brownish gray
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of devolve

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All