darkling

1 of 2

adverb

dark·​ling ˈdär-kliŋ How to pronounce darkling (audio)
: in the dark

darkling

2 of 2

adjective

1
: dark
2
: done or taking place in the dark

Synonyms

Adjective

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Example Sentences

Adjective the darkling valleys of Transylvania, where tales of vampires have long existed

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English derkelyng, from derk dark + -lyng -ling

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of darkling was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing darkling

Dictionary Entries Near darkling

dark-line spectrum

darkling

darkling beetle

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Darkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/darkling. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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Kids Definition

darkling

adjective
dark·​ling
ˈdär-kliŋ
1
: dark entry 1 sense 1a
a darkling plain
2
: done or taking place in the dark
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