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Definition of ashen
ashen
/ˈæʃ.ən/
ash · en
ashen Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
2
ashen Game Scores & Validity
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Wordle Guess
• 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