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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

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

I shook all the water from her insides, dried her off, then put her in my suitcase to spare Fern from seeing her doll baby grayish and ashy.

From "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia

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