What does sultry mean?
Sultry describes intense heat or sensual allure. In its literal sense, the word refers to weather or air that feels hot, humid, and oppressive, often making physical activity uncomfortable. Its figurative sense is equally prominent: a sultry person, voice, smile, or look is characterized by strong sexual or romantic appeal. The figurative use often suggests a slow, smoldering quality rather than a sudden or flamboyant display of attractiveness. Both meanings appear widely in British and American English, although the figurative sense is especially common in descriptions of voices, expressions, and atmospheres. Sultry is especially useful where a writer wants to convey not merely beauty or attractiveness, but a sense of heat, intensity, and sensuality.
adjectiveHot and humid; oppressively warm. It can also describe a person, voice, smile, or atmosphere as intensely sensual or alluring.
- Hot and humid, often in an oppressive or sweltering way.
- Sensual, alluring, or attractively charged with sexual appeal.
"The summer afternoon was so sultry that the actors rested beneath the awning."
"A sultry breeze rolled through the crowded garden."
"Her low, sultry voice made every listener turn toward her."
Sultry can describe both a heat-soaked afternoon and a smoldering look.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sultry come from?
The adjective dates from the early modern English period and originally meant hot or humid. Its precise origin is uncertain, though it has traditionally been associated with an older English word meaning moist or damp. In modern usage, the word developed a figurative sense of intense sexual attraction, extending the idea of heat from physical conditions to a person's voice, appearance, or manner.
How sultry is actually used
In its literal sense, sultry is common in British and American English and usually suggests uncomfortably hot, humid weather. In its figurative sense, it is often applied to a voice, gaze, smile, or atmosphere and conveys intense sensual appeal.
Easily confused with sultry
Sultry means hot, humid, or sensual, whereas sundry means various or assorted.