ashy
Americanadjective
-
ashier,
comparative
-
ashiest
superlative
-
ash-colored; pale; wan.
an ashy complexion.
-
of or resembling ashes.
an ashy residue.
-
sprinkled or covered with ashes.
adjective
-
of a pale greyish colour; ashen
-
consisting of, covered with, or resembling ash
Other Word Forms
Adjective Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of ashy
First recorded in 1350–1400, ashy is from the Middle English word asshy. See ash 1, -y 1
Vocabulary lists containing ashy
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"We focused on half-burnt phytoliths from ashy layers, which can only have been brought in by people, as unburnt ones might have arrived through either means."
From Science Daily ● Sep. 15, 2026
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Bessette’s former hair colorist, Brad Johns, reflected on the wig’s hair color as “burnt” and ashy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 12, 2026
For millions across northern India, the November air tastes ashy, the sky looks visibly hazy and merely stepping outside feels like a challenge.
From BBC ● Nov. 15, 2025
Bero wrote, “In all cases, she manages to make her subjects look dull, ashy, pained and sad, a far cry from the lively and graceful people that they usually are.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 13, 2025
His warm complexion had blanched to an ashy pallor, beads of sweat gleaming on his brow and cheeks.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
