sallow

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noun sal·low \ˈsa-(ˌ)lō\

Definition of sallow

: any of several Old World broad-leaved willows (such as Salix caprea) including important sources of charcoal and tanbark

sallow was our Word of the Day on 03/26/2014. Hear the podcast!

Recent Examples of sallow from the Web

A shade or two lighter [than your natural one] can be very flattering, especially because skin gets more sallow with age, and a few streaks can wake it up.

— stephanie saltzman, Allure, "8 Hair-Color Mistakes for Aging Hair — and How to Fix Them," 12 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of sallow

Middle English, from Old English sealh; akin to Old High German salha sallow, Latin salix willow

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

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Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

sallow

adjective sal·low

Definition of sallow

: of a grayish greenish yellow color

sallowish

play \ˈsa-lə-wish\ adjective

sallowness

play \ˈsa-lō-nəs, -lə-\ noun

See sallow defined for English-language learners

See sallow defined for kids

Examples of sallow in a Sentence

he was still a bit sallow after a week spent in bed with the flu

Recent Examples of sallow from the Web

The lavender shade in L'Oréal Paris Cosmetics Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit helps rid your skin of that not-so-cute sallow look.

— deanna pai, Redbook, "6 Tiny Beauty Steps That Make All the Difference," 19 May 2017

Did You Know?

There is no hint of sickliness in the etymology of sallow. The word appears in Old English as salu or salo, and could mean "dusky" or "dark" or "grayish greenish yellow." Salu (or salo) is akin to Old English sōl ("dark, dirty"), Old High German salo ("murky, dirty gray"), Old Norse sölr ("dirty"), and even Sanskrit sāra or sāla, which carries the basic meaning of "dirty gray." Sallow, however, has for much of its history been used specifically to describe the skin or complexion of one who is unwell.

Origin and Etymology of sallow

Middle English salowe, from Old English salu; akin to Old High German salo murky, Russian solovyĭ yellowish gray

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

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SALLOW Defined for English Language Learners

sallow

adjective

Definition of sallow for English Language Learners

: slightly yellow in a way that does not look healthy

SALLOW Defined for Kids

sallow

play

adjective sal·low \ˈsa-lō\

Definition of sallow for Students

: slightly yellow in a way that does not look healthy His hair was short and wild …, his face starved and sallow with grief. — Louise Erdrich, The Birchbark House