Ocher vs. Ochre — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
Ocher and ochre are simply different spellings of the same pigment, with "ocher" used in American English, while "ochre" is preferred in British English.
Difference Between Ocher and Ochre
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ocher is the American English spelling for a naturally occurring earth pigment containing silica, iron oxide, and varying amounts of clay and sand. Whereas ochre is the British English variant of the same word, and both terms refer to colors ranging from yellow to deep orange or brown.
Ocher pigments are historically significant and have been used in art and decoration for millennia, notably in ancient cave paintings. On the other hand, ochre carries the same historical significance, found in artworks across Europe, Australia, and Africa.
Ocher is often used in American publications, art materials, and academic references that adhere to American spelling conventions. While ochre appears in British, Australian, and Commonwealth nations' texts, reflecting the spelling preference.
Ocher is used in geological and archaeological contexts in the United States to describe soil hues and pigment findings. In contrast, ochre is mentioned in similar contexts outside the U.S., maintaining consistency with regional spelling norms.
Ocher and ochre are used interchangeably in art, where the preference does not impact the material itself but rather aligns with linguistic norms. However, ochre in British English also adheres to these norms, underlining the flexibility in art terminology.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling Region
American English
British English
Usage in Texts
Used in American publications and references
Used in British, Australian, Commonwealth texts
Art and Decoration
Used in American art materials
Used in British art materials
Geological/Archaeological Use
Describes pigments and soils in the U.S.
Describes pigments and soils outside the U.S.
Linguistic Flexibility
Interchangeable in art contexts
Interchangeable in art contexts
Compare with Definitions
Ocher
A color ranging from yellow to deep orange or brown.
The walls were painted a rich ocher that complemented the wooden furniture.
Ochre
Appears in various shades from yellow to a deep, reddish-brown.
The cliffs were streaked with shades of ochre.
Ocher
A natural earth pigment composed of iron oxide.
The artist chose ocher for its warm, natural tone.
Ochre
Common in European and Australian archaeological contexts.
Archaeologists found traces of ochre in the ancient tools.
Ocher
Refers to American English spelling of the term.
In her American art class, she learned to spell it as ocher.
Ochre
Represents earthiness and tradition in art.
Ochre pigments are preferred for their traditional and natural appearance.
Ocher
Symbolic in many cultures for its earthy and natural hues.
Ocher is often used in ceremonies for its significance to the earth.
Ochre
Used in British English spelling.
British texts maintain the spelling as ochre.
Ocher
Used historically in cave paintings and artistic works.
Ocher was one of the first colors used by ancient civilizations in cave art.
Ochre
Identical to ocher, it's a pigment made primarily of iron oxide.
Ochre has been used in art for thousands of years across many cultures.
Ocher
Any of several earthy mineral oxides of iron occurring in yellow, brown, or red and used as pigments.
Ochre
Ochre ( OH-kər; from Ancient Greek: ὤχρα, from ὠχρός, ōkhrós, pale), or ocher in American English, is a natural clay earth pigment which is a mixture of ferric oxide and varying amounts of clay and sand. It ranges in colour from yellow to deep orange or brown.
Ocher
A moderate orange yellow, from moderate or deep orange to moderate or strong yellow.
Ochre
An earthy pigment containing ferric oxide, typically with clay, varying from light yellow to brown or red
Yellow ochre
Ocher
Alternative spelling of ochre
Ochre
Variant of ocher.
Ocher
Alternative spelling of ochre
Ochre
An earth pigment containing silica, aluminum and ferric oxide
Ocher
A impure earthy ore of iron or a ferruginous clay, usually red (hematite) or yellow (limonite), - used as a pigment in making paints, etc. The name is also applied to clays of other colors.
Ochre
A somewhat dark yellowish orange colour
Ocher
The color of ocher{1}, varying around orange, from more yellowish to more reddish in tint.
Ochre
The stop codon sequence "UAA."
Ocher
A moderate yellow-orange to orange color
Ochre
(slang) Money, especially gold.
Ocher
Any of various earths containing silica and alumina and ferric oxide; used as a pigment
Ochre
Any of various brown-coloured hesperiid butterflies of the genus Trapezites.
Ocher
Of a moderate orange-yellow color
Ochre
(obsolete) nodot=a.
Ochre
Having a yellow-orange colour.
Ochre
(archaeology) Referring to cultures that covered their dead with ochre.
Ochre
To cover or tint with ochre.
Ochre
See Ocher.
Ochre
Any of various earths containing silica and alumina and ferric oxide; used as a pigment
Ochre
A moderate yellow-orange to orange color
Ochre
Of a moderate orange-yellow color
Common Curiosities
Why are there two different spellings for the same pigment?
The different spellings reflect the linguistic variations between American and British English.
Where is ocher commonly used?
Ocher is commonly used in American texts and references.
Can ocher and ochre be used interchangeably in art?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably as they refer to the same pigment.
What is the main difference between ocher and ochre?
The main difference is spelling; "ocher" is American English, and "ochre" is British English.
Where is ochre commonly used?
Ochre is commonly used in British, Australian, and other Commonwealth countries' publications.
Is there a difference in the composition of ocher and ochre?
No, both terms describe pigments with the same composition.
How did ocher and ochre get their names?
The names originate from the Greek word "ochros," meaning pale yellow.
Is ocher only found in certain parts of the world?
Ocher pigments are found worldwide, though local variations in color and composition may occur.
How do artists decide whether to use ocher or ochre?
The choice often depends on regional spelling preferences rather than artistic considerations.
Is ochre only found in certain parts of the world?
Like ocher, ochre is globally distributed, with variations based on geological formations.
Are there any cultural significances associated with ocher?
Yes, ocher is considered symbolic in various cultures due to its natural sourcing and color.
What are the environmental impacts of extracting ocher or ochre?
The extraction impacts are minimal as these pigments are often collected from natural clay deposits.
What are common uses of ochre in historical contexts?
Similar to ocher, ochre has been used for artistic and ceremonial purposes.
What are common uses of ocher in historical contexts?
Ocher has been used historically for art, decoration, and ceremonial purposes.
Can the terms ocher and ochre be found in scientific literature?
Yes, both terms appear in geological and archaeological scientific literature, reflecting regional spelling norms.
Are there any cultural significances associated with ochre?
Like ocher, ochre holds cultural significance in many regions for similar reasons.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
