swarthy

adjective

swar·​thy ˈswȯr-t͟hē How to pronounce swarthy (audio)
-thē
swarthier; swarthiest
: of a dark color, complexion, or cast
swarthiness noun

Examples of swarthy in a Sentence

a dark-eyed, swarthy young man with killer looks
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.
Jett Rink was a really malevolent varmint, and kind of swarthy and dark. Jeff Conway, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 In Itzik, a swarthy Mizrahi falafel-store owner grabs a blond Russian waitress and tries to kiss her. Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2024 However, the swarthy crew has an abundance of muscles and ego, not one of the buccaneers knows how to read. Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024 Although the swarthy crew has an abundance of muscles and ego, not one of the buccaneers knows how to read. Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for swarthy 

Word History

Etymology

alteration of obsolete swarty, from swart

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of swarthy was in 1587

Dictionary Entries Near swarthy

Cite this Entry

“Swarthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swarthy. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

swarthy

adjective
swar·​thy ˈswȯr-t͟hē How to pronounce swarthy (audio)
-thē
swarthier; swarthiest
: having a dark complexion
swarthiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on swarthy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!