verb
darken
DAH-kuhn
Darken (verb) means to make or become darker in light or color. Example: “The sky darkened before the storm hit.”
verb
1
To make or become darker in light or color.
"The sky darkened before the storm hit."
"She darkened her hair for the role."
2
To make a mood, tone, or situation gloomier or more troubling.
"His expression darkened as the bad news sank in."
How to use darken
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo become or make something less light, either literally (in color/light) or figuratively (in mood).
Common pairings
sky darkens
darken a room
his mood darkened
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- darkens
- Past tense
- darkened
- Archaic forms
- darkenest, darkenedst, darkeneth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The sky _____ before the storm hit.
Etymology
From Old English deorcnian, built from dark plus the verb-forming suffix -en, on the same pattern as "sadden" or "widen."
Related words
Rhymes for darken
See all rhymes for darken →Frequently asked questions
What does “darken” mean?
The word “darken” means to make or become darker in light or color. In plain terms, to become or make something less light, either literally (in color/light) or figuratively (in mood).
How do you pronounce “darken”?
“Darken” is pronounced DAH-kuhn (/ˈdɑɹkən/ in IPA).
How do you use “darken” in a sentence?
Here is “darken” used in a sentence: “The sky darkened before the storm hit.”
What part of speech is “darken”?
“Darken” is a verb.
Where does the word “darken” come from?
The word “darken” comes from Old English. From Old English deorcnian, built from dark plus the verb-forming suffix -en, on the same pattern as "sadden" or "widen.".
How many meanings does “darken” have?
“Darken” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make or become darker in light or color.
