# roan

/ˈɹoʊn/ (US) · /ɹˈəʊn/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/roan
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a type of horse with a coat that has a mix of white and colored hairs. The white hairs are spread all over the body, but the head and legs stay dark.

For teachers: a horse with a coat pattern characterized by a mixture of white and colored hairs, typically with a solid-colored head and legs. Often used to describe the specific coloration rather than the breed.

## Examples

- The roan horse stood out against the green grass.
- The rancher preferred a roan for its visibility in the tall prairie grass.
- While the chestnut mare was striking, the roan stallion's dappled coat provided a natural camouflage that made him difficult to spot from a distance.

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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.