chestnut

word

Definition

A chestnut is a type of brown edible nut that grows in a spiky shell. The word can also describe a reddish-brown color, or an old, overused joke or story.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used for the nut and the reddish-brown color ('chestnut hair'). In the UK, 'conker' refers to horse chestnuts, which are not edible. As slang, calling something a 'chestnut' can mean it's an old joke/story. Don't confuse edible chestnuts with horse chestnuts, which are poisonous.

Example Sentences

We collected chestnuts in the forest.

basic

That old joke is a real chestnut.

natural

I roasted some chestnuts for a snack.

basic

The horse has a beautiful chestnut coat.

basic

My grandmother makes the best chestnut soup every winter.

natural

Her hair is a rich chestnut color that shines in the sun.

natural