Chestnut

/ˈʧɛst.nʌt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A type of tree or shrub belonging to the genus Castanea, known for its edible nuts.

We roasted chestnuts over the open fire, filling the air with a delightful aroma.

The edible nut of the chestnut tree, typically round and glossy brown in color.

She enjoyed a warm slice of chestnut cake with her afternoon tea.

A dark brown color resembling the color of the chestnut nut.

His horse had a beautiful chestnut coat that shone in the sunlight.

A stale or overused joke or story.

My grandfather keeps telling that same chestnut about his childhood every holiday.

adjective

Of a dark brown color similar to that of a chestnut.

She wore a chestnut-colored sweater that complemented her eyes.

Middle English, from Old French 'châtaigne', from Latin 'castanea', from Greek 'kastanea'.

old chestnut

A story or joke that has become stale through overuse.

horse chestnut

A different species (Aesculus hippocastanum) that produces non-edible seeds.

chestnut tree

The tree that bears chestnut fruits.

An old joke

That story is a real chestnut, I've heard it so many times.

Something or someone that's common or cliched

His style is a chestnut; it's nothing new or original.