# brownstone

/ˈbɹaʊnˌstoʊn/ (US) · /bɹˈaʊnstəʊn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brownstone
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a type of tall, narrow house in a row with a front made of brown stone. You see them a lot in older city neighbourhoods.

For teachers: a row house faced with brown sandstone, typical of 19th-century New York and other eastern US cities. Also refers to the brown sandstone itself used for such facades.

## Examples

- They live in an old brownstone with a small garden.
- She rents a small apartment in a brownstone with high ceilings and original wood floors.
- The block of brownstones, their stoops worn smooth by generations of residents, still commands premium prices despite narrow floor plans and costly upkeep.

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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.