swarthy

[ swawr-thee, -thee ]

adjective

, swarth·i·er, swarth·i·est.

1. (of skin color, complexion, etc.) dark.

swarthy

/ ˈswɔːðɪ /

adjective

1. dark-hued or dark-complexioned

Derived Forms

• ˈswarthiness, noun
• ˈswarthily, adverb

Other Words From

• swarth·i·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of swarthy¹

First recorded in 1570–80; unexplained variant of obsolete swarty ( swart + -y ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of swarthy¹

C16: from obsolete swarty, from swart + -y ¹

Example Sentences

The best reason to watch it is Jude Law’s swarthily entertaining performance as Henry at his vilest, with state-of-the-art support from a horrifically pus-leaking, maggot-ridden leg wound.

From Los Angeles Times

Among the thousands flocking to the city was a “short, scrappy and swarthy” Philadelphia artist born Emmanuel Radnitzky, “a pure product of immigrant America” in both his ambition and taste for self-reinvention.

From New York Times

While these sensational tales depict the abortionist as swarthy and ugly, the women they harm reflect 19th-century Anglo-American feminine ideals.

From Salon

Not by accident, the sculpture’s glorious St. Michael is a rosy-cheeked, whiter-than-white European, while the subjugated devil bears dark, swarthy, mustachioed features of a grimacing Indian.

From Los Angeles Times

He knew Lem Harvey—a huge fellow with hulking shoulders and a sullen, swarthy face.

From Literature