# brownish

/ˈbɹaʊnɪʃ/ (US) · /bɹˈaʊnɪʃ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brownish
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

having a color that is almost brown but not quite. You use this to describe something that looks a little bit like brown.

For teachers: having a color that is somewhat brown or tinged with brown. The suffix '-ish' functions as a moderating element to indicate an approximate or imprecise quality.

## Examples

- The old paper has a brownish color.
- The river turned a brownish color after the heavy rain washed soil into the water.
- The artist used a brownish glaze to give the new furniture an antique appearance, mimicking the natural patina of aged oak.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'look' or 'turn'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.