dusky

adjective

ˈdə-skē How to pronounce dusky (audio)
duskier; duskiest
Synonyms of dusky
1
: somewhat dark in color
specifically : having dark skin
2
: marked by slight or deficient light : shadowy
duskily
ˈdə-skə-lē How to pronounce dusky (audio)
adverb
duskiness
ˈdə-skē-nəs How to pronounce dusky (audio)
noun

Synonyms of dusky

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Examples of dusky in a Sentence

in the dusky depths of the dungeon
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As the sun dips behind the canyon walls, the desert cools down rapidly, creating another window to head back out for a dusky hike. — Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026 The leaf canopy was so dense that at times only a half-light, a sort of dusky murk, penetrated to the forest floor where the hounds ran. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026 Look to Rainbow Swiss chard, multicolor lettuces, purple-leaf basil, dusky blue kales or cabbages, and variegated perennial thymes and sages. — Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2026 But fishers haven’t taken advantage of the invasive dusky spinefoot, whose population has grown significantly in Italian waters. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dusky

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dusky was in 1542

Rhymes for dusky

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Browse Nearby Words

duskness
dusky
dusky duck
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Cite this Entry

“Dusky.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dusky. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dusky

adjective
ˈdəs-kē How to pronounce dusky (audio)
duskier; duskiest
1
: somewhat dark in color
2
: somewhat dark : dim
a dusky room
duskily
-kə-lē How to pronounce dusky (audio)
adverb
duskiness
-kē-nəs How to pronounce dusky (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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