1
a
: having the color of wood or chocolate
especially
: of the color brown (see brown entry 2 sense 1)
a brown cow
brown eyes and hair
as brown as the oak leaves
b
: having dark or tanned skin
Their hands and faces were brown from long days in the sun.
2
or less commonly Brown
: of or relating to any of various population groups considered as having medium pigmentation of the skin
Black and brown Americans
plural browns
1
: any of a group of colors between red and yellow in hue, of medium to low lightness, and of moderate to low saturation
2
browns or less commonly Browns plural
: people belonging to any of various population groups considered as having medium pigmentation of the skin
Note: The plural noun browns is used mostly in phrases referring to multiple population groups.
3
browned; browning; browns
: to become brown
: to make brown
Examples of brown in a Sentence
Adjective
workers whose backs are brown from long hours in the sun
Noun
The room was decorated in brown.
a mix of browns and reds
Verb
Brown the chicken in a pan with butter.
Her skin was browned by the sun.
The chicken is browning in the oven.
Recent Examples on the Web
Loren Savini, Allure, 25 Apr. 2024
The full-grown lizard has a pale brown blotch running down its back with a scattering of darker brown or black spots on the rest of its body.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2024
Wavy locks of sandy brown hair rest just above his large brown eyes.
—Rob Schmitz, NPR, 24 Apr. 2024
Washington State Patrol issued an Amber Alert for Roman Huizar, described as 2 feet tall and 25 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 23 Apr. 2024
It was issued for the apparent abduction of 1-year-old Roman Huizar, who officials described as 2 feet tall with brown hair and brown eyes.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2024
The 55-piece collection also includes mixed-metal accessories, such as chunky chain necklaces, link bracelets, chain earrings and belts; oversized and mini tote bags in natural woven fibers and silk; and leather heels and sandals in black and brown.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Apr. 2024
However, this go-to will not be the swimsuit of 2024, because an equally flattering swimsuit is poised to overshadow it: the brown swimsuit.
—Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2024
Elijah is Hmong and White with dark blonde hair and brown eyes.
—Christina Coulter, Fox News, 12 Apr. 2024
Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024
Meanwhile, Zendaya appeared in pale pink micro-French tips and a ‘60s dusted brown ‘do.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 22 Apr. 2024
The shrimp can absorb some moisture while in the water, so this step will help remove water so the shrimp brown and cook better.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2024
The cicadas are coming:Check out a 2024 map of where the two broods will emerge
What is the cicada killer wasp?
Cicada killer wasps are about 2 inches long, according to the Smithsonian, and are black or dark brown with colorful yellow markings on their abdomen.
—Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024
Chocolate brown hit the runways and effortlessly made its way into home interiors this year—and according to Behr Paint Company, the warm shade deserves some recognition on the exterior, too.
—Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2024
What cave-dwelling bats are found in Indiana? Big brown bat: One of the healthiest populations of bats in the state, big browns primarily roost in trees and structures during the winter and find caves, mines and other structures during the winter.
—Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Apr. 2024
The color can vary depending on the variety, but is always light to dark brown.
—Sina Petri, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024
Identify the neutrals — the creams, whites, browns, grays and tans — then see what’s left.
—Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2024
Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024
Add the chorizo and cook until browned on all sides.
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
High heat flux means a crisp crust will develop quickly before water escapes – the ultimate enemy of browning and crisiping.
—Maxwell Zeff / Gizmodo, Quartz, 1 Apr. 2024
Flip the steak over, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the other side is browned, another 3 minutes or so.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Mar. 2024
Here’s some essential reading: 5 tips for cooking juicy pork chops quickly
6 tips for browning food to get more flavor
7 pie crust tips for tender, flaky results every time
Baking spices add complexity to savory dishes.
—Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
Our tester noted some browning and shriveling, but was pleasantly surprised by what a difference a few hours in water made.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2024
For a dramatic and delicious effect, use a small kitchen torch to brown the marshmallows topping.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2024
Bake 1 pan at a time in oven until cookies are just starting to brown at the edges but are still soft to the touch, 20 to 22 minutes.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 28 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Lips overlined with a dark brown pencil and filled with a nude color and a brown smoky eye, says makeup artist Karina Morales.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 25 Apr. 2024
The full-grown lizard has a pale brown blotch running down its back with a scattering of darker brown or black spots on the rest of its body.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2024
Wavy locks of sandy brown hair rest just above his large brown eyes.
—Rob Schmitz, NPR, 24 Apr. 2024
Washington State Patrol issued an Amber Alert for Roman Huizar, described as 2 feet tall and 25 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 23 Apr. 2024
It was issued for the apparent abduction of 1-year-old Roman Huizar, who officials described as 2 feet tall with brown hair and brown eyes.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2024
The 55-piece collection also includes mixed-metal accessories, such as chunky chain necklaces, link bracelets, chain earrings and belts; oversized and mini tote bags in natural woven fibers and silk; and leather heels and sandals in black and brown.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Apr. 2024
However, this go-to will not be the swimsuit of 2024, because an equally flattering swimsuit is poised to overshadow it: the brown swimsuit.
—Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2024
Elijah is Hmong and White with dark blonde hair and brown eyes.
—Christina Coulter, Fox News, 12 Apr. 2024
Noun
There are 20 shades to choose from, ranging from 1.0 BH (fair with neutral undertones) to 20.0 WLA (rich dark brown with neutral undertones).
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024
Meanwhile, Zendaya appeared in pale pink micro-French tips and a ‘60s dusted brown ‘do.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 22 Apr. 2024
The shrimp can absorb some moisture while in the water, so this step will help remove water so the shrimp brown and cook better.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2024
The cicadas are coming:Check out a 2024 map of where the two broods will emerge
What is the cicada killer wasp?
Cicada killer wasps are about 2 inches long, according to the Smithsonian, and are black or dark brown with colorful yellow markings on their abdomen.
—Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 17 Apr. 2024
Chocolate brown hit the runways and effortlessly made its way into home interiors this year—and according to Behr Paint Company, the warm shade deserves some recognition on the exterior, too.
—Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2024
What cave-dwelling bats are found in Indiana? Big brown bat: One of the healthiest populations of bats in the state, big browns primarily roost in trees and structures during the winter and find caves, mines and other structures during the winter.
—Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Apr. 2024
The color can vary depending on the variety, but is always light to dark brown.
—Sina Petri, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024
Identify the neutrals — the creams, whites, browns, grays and tans — then see what’s left.
—Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2024
Verb
Add squash, carrots and parsnips to Dutch oven, and reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until squash is browned on edges, 3 to 5 minutes.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024
Add the chorizo and cook until browned on all sides.
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
High heat flux means a crisp crust will develop quickly before water escapes – the ultimate enemy of browning and crisiping.
—Maxwell Zeff / Gizmodo, Quartz, 1 Apr. 2024
Flip the steak over, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the other side is browned, another 3 minutes or so.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Mar. 2024
Here’s some essential reading: 5 tips for cooking juicy pork chops quickly
6 tips for browning food to get more flavor
7 pie crust tips for tender, flaky results every time
Baking spices add complexity to savory dishes.
—Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
Our tester noted some browning and shriveling, but was pleasantly surprised by what a difference a few hours in water made.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2024
For a dramatic and delicious effect, use a small kitchen torch to brown the marshmallows topping.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2024
Bake 1 pan at a time in oven until cookies are just starting to brown at the edges but are still soft to the touch, 20 to 22 minutes.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 28 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brown.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near brown
Cite this Entry
“Brown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brown. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
brown
1 of 3 adjective1
: of the color brown
2
: of dark or tanned complexion
brown
2 of 3 noun
: a color like that of coffee or chocolate that is a blend of red and yellow darkened by black
brown
3 of 3 verb
: to make or become brown
Biographical Definition
Brown
2 of 7biographical name (2)
Ford Mad*ox
ˈma-dəks 
1821–1893 English painter
1821–1893 English painter
Brown
3 of 7biographical name (3)
George 1818–1880 Canadian (Scottish-born) journalist and politician
Brown
4 of 7biographical name (4)
(James) Gordon 1951– British prime minister (2007–10)
Brown
5 of 7biographical name (5)
James (Joseph) 1933–2006 American singer and songwriter
Brown
6 of 7biographical name (6)
John 1800–1859
Old Brown of Osawatomie
ˌō-sə-ˈwä-tə-mē
American abolitionist
American abolitionist
Brown
7 of 7biographical name (7)
Michael Stuart 1941– American biochemist
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