VocabDictionary

dun

/dƌn/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Of a dull grayish-brown color.

Example Sentences:
  • “The wild horse had a striking dun coat that blended into the dry grass.”
  • “A dun cloak hung over the traveler's shoulders.”
2.verb

Make persistent demands on (someone), especially for the payment of a debt.

Example Sentences:
  • “She was constantly dunned by her creditors for unpaid bills.”
  • “The landlord began to dun him for the overdue rent.”
3.noun

A person who persistently demands payment of a debt.

Example Sentences:
  • “He kept the front door locked to avoid the duns.”
  • “A persistent dun finally forced him to clear his ledger.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “dun”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English word 'dunn', meaning a dull brownish-gray color, of Germanic origin. The verb sense meaning 'to make insistent demands for payment' comes from the 17th century, possibly originating from a notorious bailiff or collector named Joe Dun who lived in Lincoln during the reign of Henry VII.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Picture a 'DUN'ce cap that is a dull brownish-gray color.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “dun”

1. What is the meaning of “dun” in English?

In English, dun (adjective) is defined as: “Of a dull grayish-brown color.”.

2. How do you use “dun” in a sentence?

“The wild horse had a striking dun coat that blended into the dry grass.”

3. What are English synonyms of “dun”?

Common synonyms include:brownish-gray,drab,dull,hound,pester

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “dun”?

Derived from the Old English word 'dunn', meaning a dull brownish-gray color, of Germanic origin. The verb sense meaning 'to make insistent demands for payment' comes from the 17th century, possibly originating from a notorious bailiff or collector named Joe Dun who lived in Lincoln during the reign of Henry VII.