darkling

[ dahrk-ling ]

adverb

1. in the dark.

adjective

1. growing dark.
2. being or occurring in the dark; dark; obscure.
3. vaguely threatening or menacing.

darkling

/ ˈdɑːklɪŋ /

adverb

1. in the dark or night

adjective

1. darkening or almost dark; obscure

Word History and Origins

Origin of darkling¹

First recorded in 1400–50, darkling is from the late Middle English word derkeling. See dark, -ling ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of darkling¹

C15: from dark + -ling ²

Example Sentences

This meditative adagio is the work’s longest movement, and Olafsson stretched its darkling arabesques to more than 10 minutes.

From New York Times

They included a number of vivid green and pinkish-orange darkling beetles from China and Laos, and four long-snouted weevils from South Africa.

From BBC

The plump, glossy larvae of the darkling beetle, nicknamed “superworms” perhaps because of their size, are usually content to munch on wheat bran.

From New York Times

Across the United States this autumn, exhibitions and collection displays of historical treasures promise to elucidate our own darkling age.

From New York Times

While the mealworm may look like an unappetizing maggot, it is in fact the larvae of the darkling beetle, rich in protein, fat and fibre.

From Reuters