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Definition of swarthy

swarthy

/ˈswɔːr.ði/
swar · thy
Adverb:swarthily
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swarthy Lexical Profile

swarthy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having a dark, dusky, or weather-beaten complexion.

Example

"Years of sailing under the intense Mediterranean sun had left the captain with a swarthy, weathered face."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for swarthy
Antonyms
View all antonyms for swarthy

Word Nuance & Usage

'Swarthy' is primarily a literary and somewhat dated adjective used to describe a naturally dark or weather-beaten complexion; in contemporary usage, it is generally avoided in sensitive racial contexts in favor of more neutral, descriptive terms.

• Rhymes for swarthy

• Nearby Words

swappable
swapper
swarm
swarthy
swashbuckler
swashbuckling
swastika

Word Origin & Etymology

Altered in the late 16th century from the earlier 'swarty', derived from the Old English 'sweart' meaning 'black' or 'dark', which is cognate with the modern German word 'schwarz' (black).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Swarthy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/swarthy
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