celadon

[ sel-uh-don, -dn ]

noun

1. any of several Chinese porcelains having a translucent, pale green glaze.
2. any porcelain imitating these.
3. a pale gray-green.

adjective

1. having the color celadon.

celadon

/ ˈsɛləˌdɒn /

noun

1. a type of porcelain having a greyish-green glaze: mainly Chinese
2. a pale greyish-green colour, sometimes somewhat yellow

Word History and Origins

Origin of celadon¹

First recorded in 1760–70; named after Céladon, name of a character in L' Astrée, a tale by Honoré d'Urfé (1568–1625), French writer

Word History and Origins

Origin of celadon¹

C18: from French, from the name of the shepherd hero of L'Astrée (1610), a romance by Honoré d'Urfé

Example Sentences

Behind him, a young servant arrives with a snack, while books and a celadon vase have been laid out for study on a nearby table.

From Los Angeles Times

Though it was her subtle way with black leather — coats, pinafores, pleated skirts — and the ruffled celadon silks that lingered.

From New York Times

The salon beyond is painted in celadon — another shade often employed by Castaing — that took days to get right, and is ornamented with trompe l’oeil marble columns.

From New York Times

The outdoor comfort station — sheathed in wood that’s painted a pleasing celadon — is not far from the entrance to the 33-acre nature preserve.

From Washington Post

Yoory Jung makes paintings and prints that emulate the surfaces of traditional Korean celadon pottery.

From Washington Post