Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a bright orange-brown color: Used especially to describe hair or fur that is a reddish-orange or auburn color, similar to the spice ginger.
   • Having a taste or flavor like that of ginger: Describing a taste that is spicy, pungent, and warm, characteristic of the ginger root.

Usage Examples

• Describing Color:
  • He has thick, gingery hair.
  • We saw a fox with a beautiful gingery coat.
• Describing Taste:
  • The sauce had a pleasant, gingery kick.
  • This tea is too gingery for my taste.

Advanced Usage

• "Gingery" to describe temperament: While less common in formal English, "gingery" can be used informally to describe a person with a fiery or quick-tempered nature, akin to the "spiciness" of ginger. This usage often relies on cultural associations.
  • He has a gingery temper, so be careful what you say.

Variants and Related Words

• Ginger (noun): The root plant which provides the spice, or the color/taste associated with it.
  • Add some fresh ginger to the stir-fry.
• Gingerly (adverb): In a careful or cautious manner. (Note: This word is related etymologically but has a distinct, separate meaning).
  • She stepped gingerly over the broken glass.

Synonyms

• For color: Auburn, reddish-brown, tawny, russet.
• For taste: Spicy, pungent, peppery, zesty.

Antonyms

• For color: Ashen, jet-black, platinum blonde.
• For taste: Bland, mild, flavorless, sweet.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Ginger-haired": A more common phrase specifically describing someone with red or auburn hair.
  • The ginger-haired boy is my cousin.
• "A touch of ginger": Can refer literally to a small amount of the spice, or figuratively to a small amount of excitement or piquancy.
  • The soup needs just a touch of ginger.
  • Her speech had a touch of ginger that woke up the audience.

Adjective

1. (used especially of hair or fur) having a bright orange-brown color
   • a man with gingery hair and bright blue eyes
   • a ginger kitten
2. having a taste like that of ginger