ashy

American  

[ash-ee] / ˈæʃ i /

adjective

ashier, ashiest

1. ash-colored; pale; wan.

   an ashy complexion.

2. of or resembling ashes.

   an ashy residue.

3. sprinkled or covered with ashes.

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ashy British  

/ ˈæʃɪ /

adjective

1. of a pale greyish colour; ashen

2. consisting of, covered with, or resembling ash

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Etymology

Origin of ashy

First recorded in 1350–1400, ashy is from the Middle English word asshy. See ash ¹, -y ¹

Example Sentences

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

There are no plans to scrape away the ashy sediment as part of the wildfire debris removal process, as doing so could cause coastal erosion and destroy marine habitat, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2025

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

Dad marched over to the picnic table and slid Styx’s ashy dogs right onto the wood.

From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon