auburn

1 of 2

adjective

au·​burn ˈȯ-bərn 

1

: of the color auburn

2

: of a reddish-brown color

auburn

2 of 2

noun

: a moderate brown

Examples of auburn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Her long auburn hair was styled with a middle part and long, cascading soft waves down to her waist courtesy of Kira Dior. —Julia Teti, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025

Bieber in August last year, kept her usual color: warm brown with a slightly auburn undertone but, until now, had stuck to her sleek, straight go-to styles for running around the city. —Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025

Noun

Speaking of, there are 10 shades to choose from to suit a wide range of hair tones and hues—think honey blonde, grey, and auburn. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025

And customizing some of the looks in a shade of auburn could give nod to the original songstress’ version. —Danielle Gilliard, WWD, 2 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English auborne blond, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin alburnus whitish, from Latin alburnum sapwood

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1613, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

auburn

adjective

au·​burn

ˈȯ-bərn

: of a reddish brown color

auburn hair

Geographical Definition

Auburn

geographical name

Au·​burn ˈȯ-bərn 

1

city in eastern Alabama population 53,380

Note: Auburn University is located in Auburn, Alabama.

2

city on the Androscoggin River in southwestern Maine population 23,055

3

city in central New York population 27,687

4

city east-northeast of Tacoma in western Washington population 70,180