ocher

noun

ˈō-kər 

variants or ochre

1

: an earthy usually red or yellow and often impure iron ore used as a pigment

2

: the color of ocher

especially : the color of yellow ocher

ocherous

ˈō-k(ə-)rəs 

adjective

or ochreous

ˈō-k(ə-)rəs 

-krē-əs

Examples of ocher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When mixed together, ocher and bitumen create a sticky mass that was likely attached to stones and other tools, the scientists say. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024

Two decades on, the millennial glisten has given way to organic austerity; the dominant tones are now ocher and umber, turmeric and coffee. —Martha Schwendener, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024

And in Africa, tree resin and ocher had been used to create similar compounds in ancient communities. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024

Unlike other Paleolithic paintings, typically made with ocher or manganese, most of Cova Dones’ paintings were done in clay—and conserved by chemistry. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oker, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French ocre, from Latin ochra, from Greek ōchra, from feminine of ōchros yellow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ocher

• red ocher
• yellow ocher

Kids Definition

ocher

noun

variants or ochre

ˈō-kər 

1

: an earthy usually red or yellow and often impure iron ore used as coloring matter

2

: the color of yellow ocher