Search Dictionary
Definition of ashen

ashen

/ˈæʃ.ən/
ash · en

JUMP TO:

ashen Lexical Profile

ashen Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Extremely pale or grayish in complexion, typically as a result of shock, fear, or illness.

Example

"His face turned ashen when he heard the news of the sudden financial collapse."


2

Of the pale gray color of wood ashes; consisting of or resembling ashes.

Example

"An ashen cloud of smoke rose above the distant volcanic ridge."


3

Made from the wood of the ash tree (now archaic or poetic).

Example

"In the ancient ballad, the forester carried a sturdy ashen staff through the woods."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ashen
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ashen

• Rhymes for ashen

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from Old English 'æscen' (meaning 'made of ash wood') and later from 'ash' (burnt residue) combined with the suffix '-en' ('resembling').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ashen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ashen
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.