Meaning & Definition of word "Dun"

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.