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Synonyms

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.


ashy British  
/ ˈæʃɪ /

adjective

  1. of a pale greyish colour; ashen

  2. consisting of, covered with, or resembling ash

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ashy

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

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.

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

But the ongoing Eaton fire and its ashy aftermath don’t appear to be offering the ending the nursery’s owners had in mind.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 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

Cradled in the ashy scraps of garden, Gilad spots his grandson's football - preserved untouched beneath a layer of gritty soot.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2023

His face was thin and his skin was ashy.

From "145th Street: Short Stories" by Walter Dean Myers