sultry
What does "sultry" mean?
The word "sultry" describes something that is oppressively hot and humid, often with a sense of heaviness in the air. Beyond the weather, it is frequently used to describe a person—usually a woman—whose appearance or behavior is characterized by a deep, smoldering, or intense sensual appeal that feels slow and heavy like a hot summer night. In terms of usage, it is a sophisticated, descriptive term often found in novels or film reviews. When describing weather, it suggests a lack of breeze and a thick, uncomfortable atmosphere. When describing a person, it implies a quiet, magnetic allure that is subtle rather than loud or overt, often associated with a low, husky voice or an intense, steady gaze.
"sultry" in conversation
Discussing summer weather
It's so sultry outside today, I can barely breathe.
It's so sultry outside today, I can barely breathe.
I know, the humidity is off the charts.
I know, the humidity is off the charts.
Used here to describe uncomfortable, heavy heat.
Commenting on a film
Her performance in that movie was incredibly sultry.
Her performance in that movie was incredibly sultry.
Exactly, she had such a magnetic, mysterious presence.
Exactly, she had such a magnetic, mysterious presence.
Used here to describe a person's intense, seductive presence.
"sultry" in a sentence
The sultry afternoon made everyone feel sleepy.
The sultry afternoon made everyone feel sleepy.
The jazz singer captivated the audience with her sultry, low-pitched voice.
The jazz singer captivated the audience with her sultry, low-pitched voice.
They sat on the veranda, fanning themselves in the thick, sultry air of the tropics.
They sat on the veranda, fanning themselves in the thick, sultry air of the tropics.
