dusky

play

adjective \ˈdəs-kē\

Definition of dusky

duskier

;

duskiest

1 : somewhat dark in color; specifically : having dark skin
2 : marked by slight or deficient light : shadowy

duskily

play \-kə-lē\ adverb

duskiness

play \-kē-nəs\ noun

See dusky defined for English-language learners

See dusky defined for kids

Examples of dusky in a Sentence

in the dusky depths of the dungeon

Recent Examples of dusky from the Web

A dusky corner of the enterprise drew his attention.

— jesse barron, New York Times, "The Bounty Hunter of Wall Street," 8 June 2017
Messy — a fork isn’t a bad idea — but filling, with a slightly dusky chili that’s mild on the heat level but plays well off the sharpness of the slaw.

— robert philpot, star-telegram.com, "Hookers Grill can put you in a nostalgic state," 31 May 2017
Candied Sichuan pecans with a veneer of spice, dusky rye crackers, and sourdough crackers that beg for cheese are particularly addictive: Aida Pantry Staples, $8 to $10 each, all five for $46, aidaeats.com.

— florence fabricant, New York Times, "Snacks From an East Village Wine Bar Available Online," 22 May 2017
The young man came into the room and held her cool, dusky hand.

— jeremy topin, chicagotribune.com, "What do you tell a 25-year-old patient about to die?," 17 May 2017
The young man came into the room and held her cool, dusky hand.

— jeremy topin, chicagotribune.com, "What do you tell a 25-year-old patient about to die?," 17 May 2017
The young man came into the room and held her cool, dusky hand.

— jeremy topin, Washington Post, "My patient was 25, and I knew she was dying. How could I tell her?," 13 May 2017
This gleefulness was contrasted with the sweet, dusky haze in the duet between Michael Davis and Kaleena Burks, before everyone jumped back into the game.

— libby hanssen, kansascity.com, "With “Director’s Choice,” KC Ballet demonstrates versatility with 1940’s-era repertoire.," 13 May 2017
Hardy Boy concoctions include Midnight Glow, which blends dusky purple and moonlight yellow.

— colleen smith, The Denver Post, "2017 is the Year of the Pansy, and Colorado gardeners have reason to love the little flowers," 31 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dusky.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of dusky

1558

DUSKY Defined for English Language Learners

dusky

play

adjective

Definition of dusky for English Language Learners

: somewhat dark

DUSKY Defined for Kids

dusky

play

adjective \ˈdə-skē\

Definition of dusky for Students

duskier

;

duskiest

1 : somewhat dark in color a dusky bird
2 : somewhat dark : dim It was dusky inside the store after the outdoor brightness. — Zilpha Keatley Snyder, The Egypt Game