ashen

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ash·​en ˈa-shən 

: of, relating to, or made from ash wood

ashen

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: resembling ashes (as in color)

especially : deathly pale

a face ashen and haggard

Synonyms of ashen

Adjective (1)

• pallid
• pale
• paled

Examples of ashen in a Sentence

Adjective (1)

still looking ashen from his bout with the flu

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Then Keegan asked Shankly for £50 a week and caught a glimpse of Ashman looking, well, ashen. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

If untreated, the condition causes severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, skin rashes, weak pulse and ashen or bluish skin. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

The late August lunar eclipse may appear orange-yellow, coppery red, chocolate brown or ashen gray, depending on atmospheric dust, volcanic activity and other conditions, the almanac said. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

But the fire this time was started by a son, which led to raging misfortunes that consumed his three brothers one by one, leaving only ashen memories for his surviving sister and aged parents to sift through. — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ashen

• fashion
• passion
• ration
• compassion
• internation

Kids Definition

ashen

adjective

ash·​en

ˈash-ən

1

: of the color of ashes

2

: deadly pale

ashen with fear