Tawny

Tawny is a color term describing a warm, sandy brown to orange-brown shade. It sits between tan and brown, often with visible yellowish or reddish undertones. The word is widely used to describe hair, fur, feathers, leather, and pigments, and it is common in fashion, interior design, and art to evoke a natural, autumnal feel.

Etymology traces tawny to a form of tan or tanning, with the -y suffix indicating a characteristic or color. In color naming, tawny is close to but lighter and more orange than chestnut, and it can vary from pale buff to richer amber under different lighting and materials.

In nature, tawny describes many animals whose coats are warm brownish-tan. Notable examples include the tawny owl (Strix aluco) of Europe and Asia, the tawny frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) of Australia, and the tawny eagle (Aquila rapax) in Africa. The term emphasizes their broadly brownish coloration rather than a specific hue.

Tawny port is a distinctive style of fortified wine from the Douro region in Portugal. Aged in wooden casks, it develops an oxidized, amber-brown color and flavors of caramel, dried fruit, and nuts. Tawny ports are often labeled by age or style, such as 10-, 20-, or Colheita, and differ from ruby or white ports.