English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj

Roan

ROH-uhn
Quiz me More like this

Roan (adj) means describing an animal's coat, especially a horse's, that has a solid base colour mixed with white hairs throughout. Example: “She rode a roan mare with a striking reddish-grey coat.”

adj
1
Describing an animal's coat, especially a horse's, that has a solid base colour mixed with white hairs throughout.
"She rode a roan mare with a striking reddish-grey coat."
noun
1
A horse or other animal with this kind of speckled coat.
"The roan led the pack across the field."

How to use Roan

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA coat colour on horses (and some cattle) where white hairs are evenly mixed through a darker base colour.

Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Roan.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
roans
Test yourself on “Roan” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She rode a _____ mare with a striking reddish-grey coat.

Etymology

From French roan, likely from a Spanish word ultimately tracing back to a Germanic root for "red."

Origin: French

Rhymes for Roan

See all rhymes for Roan →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Roan” mean?
The word “Roan” means describing an animal's coat, especially a horse's, that has a solid base colour mixed with white hairs throughout. In plain terms, a coat colour on horses (and some cattle) where white hairs are evenly mixed through a darker base colour.
How do you pronounce “Roan”?
“Roan” is pronounced ROH-uhn (/ˈɹoʊ.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “Roan” in a sentence?
Here is “Roan” used in a sentence: “She rode a roan mare with a striking reddish-grey coat.”
What part of speech is “Roan”?
Depending on how it is used, “Roan” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “Roan” come from?
The word “Roan” comes from French. From French roan, likely from a Spanish word ultimately tracing back to a Germanic root for "red.".
How many meanings does “Roan” have?
“Roan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: describing an animal's coat, especially a horse's, that has a solid base colour mixed with white hairs throughout.