ashen

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ash·​en ˈa-shən How to pronounce ashen (audio)
: of, relating to, or made from ash wood

ashen

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: resembling ashes (as in color)
especially : deathly pale
a face ashen and haggard

Examples of ashen in a Sentence

Adjective (1) still looking ashen from his bout with the flu
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.
Adjective
The cruelest consolation for an innocent life made ashen before her time. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2024 Planted into the ashen soil, the future forest continues to need human help: soil amendments, watering, weeding, protection from hungry animals and more. Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2024 His skin is ashen, eyes fixed on the middle distance. Glenn Thrush Carlos Javier Ortiz, New York Times, 5 May 2024 Perhaps the warmest shade of ash brown in the bunch, this ashen chestnut looks insanely flattering on warm-toned skin types. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ashen 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ashen was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near ashen

Cite this Entry

“Ashen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ashen. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ashen

adjective
ash·​en
ˈash-ən
1
: of the color of ashes
2
: deadly pale
ashen with fear

More from Merriam-Webster on ashen

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!