blackened
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- unblackened adjective
Explanation
To be blackened means to become darkened or charred, often as a result of burning. It can also describe the appearance of blood gathering and spreading beneath the skin in a way that makes it appear darker. Charred vegetables on a grill can be described as blackened from the high heat. Similarly, a piece of toast that is forgotten in the toaster until it's nearly burnt is also blackened. This word can also describe surfaces that have been darkened by smoke or soot, such as the walls of a fireplace. Things can become blackened as a result of cooking, fire, or even age, giving objects a dark, charred appearance.
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.
But images taken at Shahran on Sunday morning showed emergency workers inspecting burned out oil tankers, blackened buildings and blazing fires.
From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026
His angular head topped with a green felt crown; his toothy mouth a sinister, grimacing gash; his eyes blackened with what looks like charcoal.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026
The breadcrumb shards that blackened and caramelized at the edges of the sheet pan.
From Salon • Feb. 24, 2026
"People come and buy three sacks to be prepared for when there's no electricity," said Agosto, his hands blackened from filling, stacking, and arranging the sacks on the side of the road.
From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026
A circle of half-burned candles in blackened glasses filled a corner.
From "Habibi" by Naomi Shihab Nye
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.
