adjective
sullen
SUH-luhn
Sullen (adjective) means Gloomy, silent, and bad-tempered. Example: “He gave a sullen nod and said nothing else.”
adjective
1
Gloomy, silent, and bad-tempered.
"He gave a sullen nod and said nothing else."
"The sky turned a sullen grey before the storm."
How to use sullen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishQuietly bad-tempered and withdrawn, often with a look of resentment.
Common pairings
a sullen mood
sullen silence
sullen expression
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Word forms
- Plural
- sullens
- Third person singular
- sullens
- Past tense
- sullened
- Comparative
- sullener
- Superlative
- sullenest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He gave a _____ nod and said nothing else.
Etymology
From Middle English soleyn, "alone," from Old French sole, "single." The meaning shifted from "solitary" to "morose" during Middle English.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for sullen
See all rhymes for sullen →Frequently asked questions
What does “sullen” mean?
The word “sullen” means gloomy, silent, and bad-tempered. In plain terms, quietly bad-tempered and withdrawn, often with a look of resentment.
How do you pronounce “sullen”?
“Sullen” is pronounced SUH-luhn (/ˈsʌlən/ in IPA).
How do you use “sullen” in a sentence?
Here is “sullen” used in a sentence: “He gave a sullen nod and said nothing else.”
What is another word for “sullen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sullen” include glum, gloomy, grouchy, gruff, ill-tempered and ill-humored.
What is the opposite of “sullen”?
The opposite of “sullen” — its antonyms — are cheerful, content, lighthearted and pleased.
What part of speech is “sullen”?
“Sullen” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sullen” come from?
The word “sullen” comes from Old French. From Middle English soleyn, "alone," from Old French sole, "single." The meaning shifted from "solitary" to "morose" during Middle English.
