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noun

sienna

see-EHN-uh

Sienna (noun) means a reddish-brown pigment made from natural clay containing iron and manganese. Example: “The painter mixed raw sienna into the shadows of the landscape.”

noun
1
A reddish-brown pigment made from natural clay containing iron and manganese.
"The painter mixed raw sienna into the shadows of the landscape."
adj
1
Having a light reddish-brown colour.
"The room was painted a warm sienna shade."

How to use sienna

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA warm reddish-brown colour or pigment, named after the Italian city where the clay was first used.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
raw sienna burnt sienna

Word forms

siennas plural, Siennas plural

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The painter mixed raw _____ into the shadows of the landscape.

Etymology

From Italian terra di Siena ("earth of Siena"), named after the Italian city of Siena, historically a major source of the clay pigment.

Origin: Italian

Rhymes for sienna

See all rhymes for sienna →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sienna” mean?

The word “sienna” means a reddish-brown pigment made from natural clay containing iron and manganese. In plain terms, a warm reddish-brown colour or pigment, named after the Italian city where the clay was first used.

How do you pronounce “sienna”?

“Sienna” is pronounced see-EHN-uh (/siˈɛn.ə/ in IPA).

How do you use “sienna” in a sentence?

Here is “sienna” used in a sentence: “The painter mixed raw sienna into the shadows of the landscape.”

What part of speech is “sienna”?

Depending on how it is used, “sienna” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “sienna” come from?

The word “sienna” comes from Italian. From Italian terra di Siena ("earth of Siena"), named after the Italian city of Siena, historically a major source of the clay pigment.

How many meanings does “sienna” have?

“Sienna” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a reddish-brown pigment made from natural clay containing iron and manganese.

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