ashy
Americanadjective
-
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.
The model from New York, who was 23 at the time, was told by the judges that her skin texture looked "ashy" and she was described as "too harsh".
From BBC ● Feb. 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
As the lava flowed, the volcano also unleashed a series of rare explosive blasts that sent ashy plumes rocketing thousands of meters skyward.
From Science Magazine ● May 27, 2024
It remains unknown if the Kovach home will require a full teardown or if it can be restored given the ashy mess coating the interior.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 20, 2023
My face is ashy, my eyes are red, and although Aunt J was kind enough to put a bonnet on my head, I’m pretty sure my hair is a mess.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
