# tawny

/ˈtɑni/ (US) · /tˈɔːni/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tawny
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

having a brownish-yellow color, like the skin of a horse or a certain type of wine. It is an old-fashioned word that people use less often today.

For teachers: of a brownish-yellow or reddish-brown color, specifically resembling the skin of a horse or the color of a particular type of sherry. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts to evoke a specific visual tone.

## Examples

- The old horse had a tawny coat.
- The sunset cast a tawny glow over the valley, turning the grass into a golden-brown shade.
- The interior of the library was decorated in deep tawny tones, with leather-bound books and dark mahogany furniture that gave the room a warm, aged atmosphere.

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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.