dusky

[ duhs-kee ]

adjective

, dusk·i·er, dusk·i·est.

1. somewhat dark; having little light; dim; shadowy.
2. Older Use: Chiefly Literary. having dark skin.
3. of a dark color.
4. gloomy; sad.

dusky

/ ˈdʌskɪ /

adjective

1. dark in colour; swarthy or dark-skinned
2. dim

Derived Forms

• ˈduskily, adverb
• ˈduskiness, noun

Other Words From

• duski·ly adverb
• duski·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dusky¹

First recorded in 1550–60; dusk ² + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Sometimes, that motivation comes from knowing that your gear will keep you warm, dry, and safe on dusky roads or trails.

From Outside Online

In that part of Alaska and that time of year—barely 100 miles south of the Arctic Circle, late July—it never really gets dark, so I took advantage of the dusky half-light, driving until almost two in the morning.

From Outside Online

He sometimes paints depictions of mountains, sunlight and even humans atop the dusky, ravaged surfaces.

From Washington Post

The role of gravy was played by a dusky curry sweetened with onions and carrots.

From Washington Post

The palette was gentle and pretty, focusing on rose pinks, lavenders, dusky mauve, mint, faun and pale lemon.

From The Daily Beast

Unless by dusky hordes, you mean Wall Street banksters and well-tanned pols such as Speaker John Boehner.

From The Daily Beast

Lawrence mingled with the crowd, and as he read he felt a bulky envelope thrust in his hand and caught a glimpse of a dusky arm.

From Project Gutenberg

Once more she peered into the glass, shook out her skirts, then sought a door in a far and dusky corner.

From Project Gutenberg

It had come on to rain, and the raw dampness mingled itself with the dusky uproar of the Strand.

From Project Gutenberg

When Tom Brown awoke, late in the day, he found Mafuta sitting at his feet with a broad grin on his dusky countenance.

From Project Gutenberg

His banks were teeming with happy dusky figures and the smiling irrigated land was bright with fertility.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• smoky