dusky

adjective

ˈdə-skē 

duskier; duskiest

1

: somewhat dark in color

specifically : having dark skin

2

: marked by slight or deficient light : shadowy

duskily

ˈdə-skə-lē 

adverb

duskiness

ˈdə-skē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of dusky

• darkened
• dark
• murky
• black

Examples of dusky in a Sentence

in the dusky depths of the dungeon

Recent Examples on the Web

Rooms The 149 guestrooms and 37 suites come alive in interiors inspired by ocean waves and the dusky skies of the Hollywood Hills, so the palette is moody, the finishes are polished, but nothing whispers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

From brick red to ashen violet and dusky taupe, these are the soft yet moody nail colors to keep an eye on this fall. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 26 Sep. 2026

On Sunday, the model stopped by a Brooklyn farmer’s market for an autumnal bouquet—all rich oranges and dusky browns—which coordinated with her fall ’fit. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

New yellows move between musky and citrusy, while additions to the cooler end of the spectrum include restorative greens, meditative blues and purples ranging from dusky to glamorous. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dusky

• husky
• muskie
• musky

Kids Definition

dusky

adjective

ˈdəs-kē 

duskier; duskiest

1

: somewhat dark in color

2

: somewhat dark : dim

a dusky room

duskily

-kə-lē 

adverb

duskiness

-kē-nəs 

noun