soot

1 of 2

noun

ˈsu̇t 

ˈsət,

ˈsüt 

: 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

soot

2 of 2

verb

sooted; sooting; soots

transitive verb

: to coat or cover with soot

Examples of soot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

My house was fine — lots of soot and ash, even inside, and the smell inside was acrid. —Katherine Turman, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025

Wipe paws off after walking outdoors with a wet washcloth or baby wipes to prevent pets from licking soot off of their feet after coming inside. —Geoffrey Eisler, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2025

However, the winds are also kicking up unhealthy levels of soot and ash from those burn scars, including parts of Orange County near the Airport Fire. —Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025

Schools are closing this morning, and Los Angeles health officials warned of unhealthy air, directing people to wear masks outdoors and keep windows closed as smoke and soot blanketed some parts of the city. —Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1602, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

soot

noun

ˈsu̇t,

ˈsət,

ˈsüt

: a black powder formed when something is burned

especially : the fine powder consisting chiefly of carbon that colors smoke