dusky

adjective

ˈdə-skē 

duskier; duskiest

1

: somewhat dark in color

specifically : having dark skin

2

: marked by slight or deficient light : shadowy

duskily

ˈdə-skə-lē 

adverb

duskiness

ˈdə-skē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of dusky

• darkened
• dark
• murky
• black

Examples of dusky in a Sentence

in the dusky depths of the dungeon

Recent Examples on the Web

Before then, shark researchers knew dusky sharks were scavengers because whale carcasses had been found in their stomachs. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 June 2026

Small dusky dolphins swarm the boat, riding its bow wave, while Hector’s dolphins, albatrosses, and humpback whales make cameos. — Steve Madgwick, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026

In Randolph’s photo, Brisket could be seen lounging on a dusky pink velvet chair with a table in front of him set with a martini and a glass of red wine. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 June 2026

Dragonstone is the windswept ancestral seat of House Targaryen, but the Black Queen did not grow up playing among its dusky caverns. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dusky

• husky
• muskie
• musky

Kids Definition

dusky

adjective

ˈdəs-kē 

duskier; duskiest

1

: somewhat dark in color

2

: somewhat dark : dim

a dusky room

duskily

-kə-lē 

adverb

duskiness

-kē-nəs 

noun