fawn

1
[ fawn ]
/ fɔn /

noun

a young deer, especially an unweaned one.
a light yellowish-brown color.

adjective

light yellowish-brown.

verb (used without object)

(of a doe) to bring forth young.

Origin of fawn

1
1225–75; Middle English fawn, foun < Middle French faon, foun, feon ≪ Vulgar Latin *fētōn-, stem of *fētō offspring, derivative of Latin fētus fetus

OTHER WORDS FROM fawn

fawn·like, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH fawn

faun fawn

Definition for fawn (2 of 2)

fawn 2
[ fawn ]
/ fɔn /

verb (used without object)

to seek notice or favor by servile demeanor: The courtiers fawned over the king.
(of a dog) to behave affectionately.

Origin of fawn

2
before 1000; Middle English fawnen, Old English fagnian, variant of fægnian to rejoice, make glad, derivative of fægen happy; see fain

OTHER WORDS FROM fawn

fawn·er, noun fawn·ing·ly, adverb fawn·ing·ness, noun

Example sentences from the Web for fawn

British Dictionary definitions for fawn (1 of 2)

fawn 1
/ (fɔːn) /

noun

a young deer of either sex aged under one year
  1. a light greyish-brown colour
  2. (as adjective)a fawn raincoat
in fawn (of deer) pregnant

verb

(of deer) to bear (young)

Derived forms of fawn

fawnlike, adjective

Word Origin for fawn

C14: from Old French faon, from Latin fētus offspring; see fetus

British Dictionary definitions for fawn (2 of 2)

fawn 2
/ (fɔːn) /

verb (intr; often foll by on or upon)

to seek attention and admiration (from) by cringing and flattering
(of animals, esp dogs) to try to please by a show of extreme friendliness and fondness (towards)

Derived forms of fawn

fawner, noun fawning, adjective fawningly, adverb fawningness, noun

Word Origin for fawn

Old English fægnian to be glad, from fægen glad; see fain