soot

noun \ ˈsu̇t , ˈsət , ˈsüt \

Updated on: 7 Apr 2018

Definition of soot

: a black substance formed by combustion or separated from fuel during combustion, rising in fine particles, and adhering to the sides of the chimney or pipe conveying the smoke; especially : the fine powder consisting chiefly of carbon that colors smoke

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Recent Examples of soot from the Web

On a recent visit, only the Formstone facade of the home remained intact, with smudges of soot above the spaces where the windows had been.

— christina tkacik, baltimoresun.com, "Man dies after West Baltimore house fire," 3 Apr. 2018
Masha looked toward the ceiling as if expecting to see actual soot clouds.

— aaron gilbreath, Longreads, "The Wolves," 2 Apr. 2018
That's enough to blanket both Marion and Hancock counties in an inch of black soot.

— sarah bowman, Indianapolis Star, "New reports: Contaminants from coal ash at levels 40 times above safe drinking water standards," 28 Mar. 2018
And black snow has been spotted several times, Cerveny said, thanks to soot or ash from a fire.

— doyle rice, USA TODAY, "Like 'skiing on Mars:' Orange snow blankets Eastern Europe," 26 Mar. 2018
The saga began in the early 1990s, when the EPA sought to regulate fine particulate matter known as PM2.5—dust and soot smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter.

— steve milloy, WSJ, "The EPA Cleans Up Its Science," 26 Mar. 2018
Names like toluidine toner, byaku gunjo, madder lake, maple soot, and dragon’s blood (speaking of Hogwarts) are as beautiful as the pigments that bear them.

— mark feeney, BostonGlobe.com, "Coloring our world, from cave paintings to today," 15 Mar. 2018
We finally got rid of the wood stove and its soot and dust and crackle and charm.

— murr brewster, The Christian Science Monitor, "The serendipity of distraction," 14 Mar. 2018
The dwelling sustained heavy soot damage, according to investigators.

— staff report, The Aegis, "Fire damages Aberdeen townhouse early Saturday, five occupants get out safely," 11 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'soot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of soot

Middle English, from Old English sōt; akin to Old Irish suide soot, Old English sittan to sit

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

soot

verb

Definition of soot

transitive verb

: to coat or cover with soot

First Known Use of soot

1602

SOOT Defined for English Language Learners

soot

noun

Definition of soot for English Language Learners

: a black powder that is formed when something (such as wood or coal) is burned

SOOT Defined for Kids

soot

noun \ ˈsu̇t , ˈsət \

Definition of soot for Students

: a black powder formed when something is burned : the very fine powder that colors smoke

Learn More about soot

See words that rhyme with soot Spanish Central: Translation of soot Nglish: Translation of soot for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of soot for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about soot

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soot

Definition of soot

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soot

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SOOT Defined for English Language Learners

soot

Definition of soot for English Language Learners

SOOT Defined for Kids

soot

Definition of soot for Students

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