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

• black
• caliginous
• dark
• darkened
• darkish
• darkling
• darksome
• dim
• dimmed
• dusk
• gloomy
• lightless
• murky
• obscure
• obscured
• pitch-black
• pitch-dark
• pitchy
• rayless
• somber
• sombre
• stygian
• tenebrific
• tenebrous
• unlit

Examples of dusky in a Sentence

in the dusky depths of the dungeon

Recent Examples on the Web

While the exact species involved in the recent shark attack near Hadera has not been officially confirmed, dusky sharks are commonly found in the area, experts say. —Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025

Cone Denim has layered in an earthy palette of overdyed denim colors and dusky casted hues with shades such as chocolate brown, burgundy, tan and maple. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Apr. 2025

Every year, during June and July, billions of these fish migrate up the coast, and in so doing, attract a plethora of spectacle-worthy predators, like dusky sharks and Bryde’s whales. —Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 14 Apr. 2025

The United States has its own bans (e.g., on dusky sharks) but effectiveness varies by gear type and enforcement. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

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