fawn
1[ fawn ]
/ fɔn /
Save This Word!
noun
a young deer, especially an unweaned one.
a light yellowish-brown color.
adjective
light yellowish-brown.
verb (used without object)
(of a doe) to bring forth young.
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
Origin of fawn
11225–75; Middle English fawn, foun<Middle French faon, foun, feon ≪ Vulgar Latin *fētōn-, stem of *fētō offspring, derivative of Latin fētusfetus
OTHER WORDS FROM fawn
fawnlike, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH fawn
faun, fawnDefinition for fawn (2 of 2)
fawn2
[ fawn ]
/ fɔn /
verb (used without object)
to seek notice or favor by servile demeanor: The courtiers fawned over the king.
(of a dog) to behave affectionately.
Origin of fawn
2before 1000; Middle English fawnen,Old English fagnian, variant of fægnian to rejoice, make glad, derivative of fægen happy; see fain
OTHER WORDS FROM fawn
fawner, nounfawn·ing·ly, adverbfawn·ing·ness, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for fawn
British Dictionary definitions for fawn (1 of 2)
fawn1
/ (fɔːn) /
noun
a young deer of either sex aged under one year
- a light greyish-brown colour
- (as adjective)a fawn raincoat
in fawn (of deer) pregnant
verb
(of deer) to bear (young)
Derived forms of fawn
fawnlike, adjectiveWord Origin for fawn
C14: from Old French faon, from Latin fētus offspring; see fetus
British Dictionary definitions for fawn (2 of 2)
fawn2
/ (fɔːn) /
verb (intr; often foll by on or upon)
to seek attention and admiration (from) by cringing and flattering
(of animals, esp dogs) to try to please by a show of extreme friendliness and fondness (towards)
Derived forms of fawn
fawner, nounfawning, adjectivefawningly, adverbfawningness, nounWord Origin for fawn
Old English fægnian to be glad, from fægen glad; see fain
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012