Definition of OMBRE (original) (raw)
: having colors or tones that shade into each other
Stewart arrived … in white sequined Chanel trousers, a black top, and orange ombré hair, bringing to mind Katharine Hepburn had she collided in some faraway star system with David Bowie.—
Durga Chew-Bose
Rich, saturated hues cover most of the walls, which Venezuelan painter Antonio Rimada finished with an ombre technique. In the processional main hall … Rimada shaded the wall progressively, from turquoise to gold, a stunning backdrop for the owner's collection of Latin American art.—Jean Strouse
: an old three-handed card game popular in Europe especially in the 17th and 18th centuries
Examples of ombré in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The actress recently traded out her lengthy black waves for a face-framing blonde bob, dyed with an ombre gradient, and curtain bangs falling just at her eyebrows. —Staff Author, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023 This suitcase has a minimalist exterior that uses the texture of _ombre_-style ribbing to create a unique look. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Jan. 2023 Usher debuted his neon, ombre effect look on the first day of shows at Wales Bonner and was spotted again at Bianca Saunders the next day. —Samantha Tse, CNN, 21 Jan. 2023 Ruched and draped for an exquisite flattering fit, this ombre number will ensure all eyes will be on you. —Minna Shim, Harper's BAZAAR, 20 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for ombré
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
French, past participle of ombrer to shade, from Italian ombrare, from ombra shade, from Latin umbra — more at umbrage
Noun
French or Spanish; French hombre, from Spanish, literally, man — more at hombre
First Known Use
Adjective
1893, in the meaning defined above
Noun
circa 1661, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of ombré was circa 1661
Browse Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
“Ombré.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ombr%C3%A9\. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!