sultry

Sultry is an adjective with several related senses. It commonly describes weather or atmosphere that is hot and humid, producing a feeling of heaviness or oppression. The term can also characterize a person, voice, or performance that conveys a heavy, languid warmth and sensual appeal. In such uses, sultry implies mood or allure rather than blunt brightness, often suggesting a sensory or emotional intensity that is leisurely, provocative, or emotionally charged.

Originating in English from senses of heat and oppressive warmth, sultry dates from the Middle English period. Over time its meaning broadened to include descriptions of seductive or alluring qualities in people, sounds, and scenes, in addition to weather.

In modern usage, sultry can be positive—denoting stylish, atmospheric allure in fashion, music, or film—yet it can also verge on objectification when applied to people. The term is often joined with nouns like weather, gaze, voice, or climate. Context determines whether it denotes artistry or implies sexualized scrutiny.

Synonyms include hot, humid, oppressive for weather, and seductive, alluring, sensuous for demeanor. Antonyms include cool, refreshing, brisk, and unintrusive. The word is frequently used in literary and media descriptions to evoke mood rather than literal temperature.