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 notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like sienna.
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
- siennas
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include sienna:
