ashen

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ash·​en ˈa-shən How to pronounce ashen (audio)
Synonyms of ashen
: 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

Synonyms of ashen

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Adjective (1)

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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
Though ashen, the convex steel form still resonates to the rhythmic thump of her hands. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026 Always, always those little ashen faces. — Literary Hub, 29 May 2026 Hitchcock didn’t respond, his face slowly turning ashen. — Jeffrey Collins, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026 Patches of skin that appear red, white, blue, gray, yellow, purple, brown or ashen as opposed to their normal color. — Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Jan. 2026 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

Rhymes for ashen

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Browse Nearby Words

as hell
ashen
Asher
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Cite this Entry

“Ashen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ashen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of ashen for Spanish Speakers

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