dark

play

adjective \ˈdärk\

Definition of dark

1a : devoid or partially devoid of light : not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light a dark roomb : transmitting only a portion of light dark glasses
2a : wholly or partially black dark clothingb of a color : of low or very low lightness dark bluec : being less light in color than other substances of the same kind dark rum
3a : arising from or showing evil traits or desires : evil the dark powers that lead to warb : dismal, gloomy had a dark view of the futurec : lacking knowledge or culture : unenlightened a dark period in historyd : relating to grim or depressing circumstances dark humor
4a : not clear to the understandingb : not known or explored because of remoteness the darkest reaches of the continent
5 : not fair in complexion : swarthy dark skin
6 : secret kept his plans dark
7 : possessing depth and richness a dark voice
8 : closed to the public the theater is dark in the summer

darkish

play \ˈdär-kish\ adjective

darkly

adverb

darkness

noun

See dark defined for English-language learners

See dark defined for kids

Examples of dark in a Sentence

She sat in the dark room alone.
Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
It was a dark and stormy night.
Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
a man wearing dark clothing
You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
dark spots on the skin

Origin and Etymology of dark

Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of dark

obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. obscure poems dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. muttered dark hints of revenge vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. a vague sense of obligation enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. enigmatic occult writings cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. cryptic hints of hidden treasure ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. an ambiguous directive equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

dark

noun

Definition of dark

1a : a place or time of little or no light : night, nightfall get home before darkb : absence of light : darkness afraid of the dark
2 : a color of low or very low lightness : a dark or deep color has a lot of darks in his wardrobe

in the dark

1 : in secrecy most of his dealings were done in the dark
2 : in ignorance kept the public in the dark about the agreement

See dark defined for English-language learners

Examples of dark in a Sentence

He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
We'd better get home before dark.
They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
Wash the lights and the darks separately.

Origin and Etymology of dark

see ¹dark

First Known Use: 13th century

dark

verb

Definition of dark

intransitive verb
obsolete : to grow dark (see ¹dark)
transitive verb
: to make dark

Origin and Etymology of dark

see ¹dark

First Known Use: 14th century

DARK Defined for English Language Learners

dark

play

adjective \ˈdärk\

Definition of dark for English Language Learners

: having very little or no light
: not light in color : of a color that is closer to black than white
of a color : having more black than white : not light

dark

noun

Definition of dark for English Language Learners

the dark : a state in which no light can be seen
: a place where little or no light can be seen
: the time of day when night begins : the time when the sky becomes dark for the night

DARK Defined for Kids

dark

play

adjective \ˈdärk\

Definition of dark for Students

darker

;

darkest

1 : without light or without much light a dark closet
2 : not light in color My dog has a dark coat.
3 : not bright and cheerful : gloomy Don't look on the dark side of things.
4 : arising from or characterized by evil The villain revealed his dark side.