Word
ombre
Phoneticsom·bre
Countable noun
Definition
n. a style of coloring hair or fabric where one color slowly fades into another, usually from dark to light.
n. a graduated shading effect in which one colour blends gradually into another, most often in hair dyeing and textiles. Often placed before nouns such as 'hair', 'nails' or 'fabric'.
Examples
“She has pretty ombre hair with dark roots.”
“The stylist shows her photos of ombre looks before blending dark brown roots into blonde ends.”
“The designer chose ombre curtains that shift from deep indigo at the top to pale grey at the hem, softening the light in the room.”
Examples
simple
“She has pretty ombre hair with dark roots.”
contextual
“The stylist shows her photos of ombre looks before blending dark brown roots into blonde ends.”
complex
“The designer chose ombre curtains that shift from deep indigo at the top to pale grey at the hem, softening the light in the room.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ombre” in context.
Verb
01. achieve ombre
“You need two or three sessions to achieve ombre on dark hair.”
verb + noun
02. create ombre
“The stylist used balayage to create ombre without harsh lines.”
verb + noun
03. maintain ombre
“Use purple shampoo and gloss to maintain ombre between visits.”
verb + noun
04. ombre fades
“Her ombre fades beautifully without leaving a harsh regrowth line.”
noun + verb
05. ombre grows out
“This ombre grows out softly, so you can wait longer between appointments.”
noun + verb + particle
Adjective
06. blonde ombre
“Her blonde ombre looks fresh after a trim and gloss.”
adj + noun
07. natural ombre
“He asked for a natural ombre with a smooth, gradual fade.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. effect of ombre
“The dress creates an effect of ombre from navy to pale blue.”
noun + prep + noun
09. create a soft ombre effect
“The stylist blended three tones to create a soft ombre effect.”
10. get a subtle ombre
“She went to the salon to get a subtle ombre for summer.”
11. go for a blonde ombre
“If you want low maintenance, go for a blonde ombre.”
12. grow out your ombre
“You can easily grow out your ombre without an obvious root line.”
Usage
Often placed before nouns such as 'hair', 'nails', or 'fabric' to describe the gradient effect.
Real-World Examples
“Reid Bartelme’s costumes have the dancers in ombre chiffon, an offbeat spectrum through coral-pink-red-lilac-chartreuse.” “Manchester City have gone with an ombre design , which feels – apposite for a gradient fading of colour – exhausted as a look in 2026.” Etymology
Borrowed from French hombre, from Spanish hombre, literally, a man, from Latin homō. Doublet of gome, hombre, homo, and omi. See human.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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