brown
UK: braʊn | US: braʊn
adj. of a color produced by mixing red, yellow, and black, resembling wood or earth
n. the color brown
vt. to make or become brown (e.g., by cooking or tanning)
The word "brown" originates from Old English brún, meaning "dark, dusky," which itself derives from Proto-Germanic brūnaz. This term was used broadly for dark shades, including burnished or shining surfaces (e.g., polished metal). Over time, its meaning narrowed to the earthy hue we recognize today. The Germanic root likely connects to the Proto-Indo-European bher- ("shining, brown"), linking it to words like "bear" (referring to the animal’s dark fur) and "burnish."
She wore a cozy brown sweater in the autumn chill.
The toast was perfectly browned under the grill.
Brown is a dominant color in forest landscapes.
His skin browned after weeks in the sun.
The artist mixed red and green to create a deep brown.