husky

¹

[huhs-kee]

adjective

huskier, huskiest 

1. big and strong; burly.

   Synonyms: strapping, brawny, robust

2. (of the voice) having a semiwhispered vocal tone; somewhat hoarse, as when speaking with a cold or from grief or passion.

   Synonyms: throaty, rasping, gruff, harsh

3. like, covered with, or full of husks.

4. made in a size meant for the larger or heavier than average boy.

   size 18 husky pants.

5. for, pertaining to, or wearing clothing in this size.

   the husky department; husky boys.

noun

plural

huskies 

1. a size of garments meant for the larger or heavier than average boy.

2. Informal.,  a big, strong person.

husky

²

[huhs-kee]

noun

plural

huskies 

1. Eskimo dog.

2. Siberian husky.

3. Canadian Slang.,  Husky,

   1. an Inuit.

   2. the language of the Inuit.

husky

¹

/ ˈhʌskɪ /

noun

1. a breed of Arctic sled dog with a thick dense coat, pricked ears, and a curled tail

2. slang

   1. a member of the Inuit people

   2. the Inuit language

husky

²

/ ˈhʌskɪ /

adjective

1. (of a voice, an utterance, etc) slightly hoarse or rasping

2. of, like, or containing husks

3. informal,  big, strong, and well-built

Other Word Forms

• huskiness noun
• huskily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of husky¹

First recorded in 1545–55 husky ¹ for def. 3, 1720-25 husky ¹ for def. 2, 1860–65 husky ¹ for def. 7, and 1890–95 husky ¹ for def. 1; husk + -y ¹, -y ²

Origin of husky²

First recorded in 1870–75; shortening of husky dog, husky breed; compare Newfoundland and Labrador dialect Husky “an Inuit from Labrador,” earlier Huskemaw, Uskemaw, ultimately from the same Algonquian source as Eskimo

Word History and Origins

Origin of husky¹

C19: probably based on _Eskimo

Origin of husky²

C19: probably from _husk , from the toughness of a corn husk

Example Sentences

He was best known for his love of the husky dogs used to pull sledges around the island, and he raised two litters of dogs.

From BBC

The beautiful Alaskan and Siberian huskies that animate the dog-sledding instruction at Norway’s Pasvik Folk High School are what help lift this handsomely photographed film above the usual heart warmer.

From Los Angeles Times

With her electric green eyes, corkscrew hair and husky contralto voice, Dame Cleo became the most recognisable British jazz singer in history.

From BBC

It meant none of the snow activities part of the package - a husky ride, reindeer encounter and snowmobile trip - could go ahead.

From BBC

One day in 2018, he bought a husky puppy called Apollo.

From BBC

Related Words

• muscular 
• stocky 
• stout 
• strapping