lincoln green: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical, literary, specialized (fashion/textiles).
Quick answer
What does “lincoln green” mean?
A bright, vivid green colour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bright, vivid green colour.
Historically, a specific shade of green woolen cloth dyed with woad and weld, famously produced in Lincoln, England, and associated with the clothing of foresters (like Robin Hood) and the English archers of the medieval period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is recognised in both variants due to its historical nature, but its cultural resonance is stronger in British English due to the Lincoln connection.
Connotations
In British English, it strongly connotes medieval England, archery, and folklore (Robin Hood). In American English, the historical/literary connotation remains primary, but the folklore link is less immediate.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in everyday speech in both variants. More likely to appear in British historical or textile contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “lincoln green” in a Sentence
[Wear/Dressed in] Lincoln green.The [cloth/hue] of Lincoln green.A [tunic/jacket] of Lincoln green.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lincoln green” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The re-enactor wore a Lincoln green tunic.
- She selected a Lincoln green wool for the historical costume.
American English
- The fabric store carried a bolt of Lincoln green felt.
- His costume featured a Lincoln green hood.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in historical, textile, and literary studies discussing medieval England, dyeing techniques, or folklore.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only in specific discussions of colour or history.
Technical
Used in historical re-enactment, textile history, and costume design contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lincoln green”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lincoln green”
- Writing it as 'Lincoln Green' without capitalising 'Green' when used as a proper noun for the colour.
- Using it to refer to any generic dark green.
- Mispronouncing 'Lincoln' as /ˈlɪnkɒln/ instead of /ˈlɪŋkən/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are similar shades, but 'Lincoln green' carries specific historical and cultural connotations related to medieval England, whereas 'hunter green' is a more general modern term.
It is named after the city of Lincoln in England, which was a major centre for the production and dyeing of this particular green woollen cloth in the medieval period.
Yes, but it will sound literary, historical, or specialized. It is perfectly correct when describing a colour in historical, costume, or design contexts where that specific reference is intended.
It functions primarily as a noun (the name of the colour/cloth) but is very frequently used attributively as an adjective (e.g., Lincoln green cloth). It is not used predictively (you wouldn't say 'The cloth is Lincoln green').
A bright, vivid green colour.
Lincoln green is usually historical, literary, specialized (fashion/textiles). in register.
Lincoln green: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪŋkən ˈɡriːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪŋkən ˈɡrin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dressed in Lincoln green (referencing a forester or medieval archer).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the LINCOLN Cathedral and the GREEN fields of Sherwood Forest.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLOUR FOR HISTORY (The colour represents/evokes a specific historical period and culture).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cultural association of 'Lincoln green'?