Meaning & Definition of word "Dun"
to
Dun
/dʌn/
noun:
- 1. A dull grayish-brown color.
- Example: The horse was a beautiful dun, with a gleaming coat that shone in the sun.
verb:
- 1. To make repeated and insistent demands for payment.
- Example: The landlord began to dun the tenants for the overdue rent.
- 2. To demand payment of a debt.
- Example: He decided to dun his friend for the money he lent last month.
adjective:
- 1. Of a dull grayish-brown color.
- Example: The artist used a dun palette for the background of her painting.
- 2. Having a dull or drab appearance.
- Example: The room was painted a dun color that made it feel gloomy.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English 'dunn' meaning 'brown, dark'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
dun the borrower:
To insistently ask someone who owes you money to pay up.
dun horse:
A horse with a brownish-gray coat.
Related Words
dunnish:
Somewhat dun in color; grayish.
dunite:
A type of ultramafic rock composed almost entirely of olivine.
Slang Meanings of dun
Meaning: A slang term used to refer to a dull or boring person.
Example Sentence: Don't be such a dun at the party!
Meaning: To describe something that is unremarkably dull.
Example Sentence: That movie was a total dun, I fell asleep halfway through.