sorrel

UK: /ˈsɒrəl/ US: /ˈsɔrəl, ˈsɑr-/ ,(sôr′əl, sor′-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

sor•rel¹ /ˈsɔrəl, ˈsɑr-/   n. 

1. [uncountable] light reddish brown.
2. Dog and Cat Breeds [countable] a horse of this color.

sor•rel² /ˈsɔrəl, ˈsɑr-/   n. [countable]

1. Plant Biology a plant of the buckwheat family, whose leaves are used as seasoning.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sor•rel¹  (sôr′əl, sor′-), n. 

1. light reddish-brown.
2. Dog and Cat Breeds a horse of this color, often with a light-colored mane and tail.

adj. 

3. of the color sorrel.

• Gmc) + -el diminutive suffix; see -elle
• Old French sorel, equivalent. to sor brown (
• late Middle English 1400–50

sor•rel²  (sôr′əl, sor′-), n. 

1. Plant Biology any of various plants belonging to the genus Rumex, of the buckwheat family, having edible acid leaves used in salads, sauces, etc.
2. Plant Biology any of various sour-juiced plants of the genus Oxalis. Cf. wood sorrel. 
3. Plant Biology any of various similar plants.

• Gmc; akin to Old High German sūr sour) + -el diminutive suffix; see -elle
• Old French surele, equivalent. to sur sour (
• Middle English sorell 1350–1400

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

sorrel / ˈsɒrəl/ noun

1. a light brown to brownish-orange colour
2. (as adjective): a sorrel carpet
3. a horse of this colour

Etymology: 15th Century: from Old French sorel, from sor a reddish brown, of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch soor desiccated

sorrel / ˈsɒrəl/ noun

1. any of several polygonaceous plants of the genus Rumex, esp R. acetosa, of Eurasia and North America, having acid-tasting leaves used in salads and sauces
   See also dock4
2. short for wood sorrel

Etymology: 14th Century: from Old French surele, from sur sour, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German sūr sour