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 The combination is picked up as a camouflage pattern on the matching green, black and gray strap, which gives it the overall feel of something that might be worn by a swarthy actor in a movie that involves trekking through the Amazon. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023 Favino resembles a swarthier version of Bruce McGill; for all his stoic intensity, there’s a civilian quality of introspection about him. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 30 Aug. 2023 Its garments are swarthy and a little sensual, displaying a clear affection for Ralph Lauren but also for how hip-hop appropriated Ralph Lauren in the 1990s. Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 27 July 2023 Huzzah, the Renaissance Pleasure Faire hath returned for the first time since 2019, throwing open its entrance to lusty revelers, artisans, swarthy pirates and Angelenos simply looking to taste some of the finest meads and festival fare in all the land. Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2022 Similarly, there were swarthy modern humans, and soon enough pale ones. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 29 Sep. 2012 Ellen enters the contest, along with swarthy outlaw Ace Hanlon (Henriksen) and The Kid (Leonardo DiCaprio), who has his own debt to settle with Herod. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2023 First, the author immediately notes that for every swarthy barbarian there is a depiction of another trope, the Evil Blonde Guy. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 21 Apr. 2011 Those of us who are basically translucent are quite familiar with this annoying ritual, though our more swarthy companions should also pay attention. cleveland, 18 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'swarthy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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

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