husky: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to informal for the adjective meaning; neutral for the dog breed.
Quick answer
What does “husky” mean?
A breed of dog originally used for pulling sleds in Arctic regions, characterized by a thick coat, erect ears, and a bushy tail.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of dog originally used for pulling sleds in Arctic regions, characterized by a thick coat, erect ears, and a bushy tail.
1. (adjective) Describing a voice that is deep, rough, and slightly hoarse, often in an attractive way. 2. (adjective, informal) Large, strong, and heavily built.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The informal adjective meaning 'large/strong' might be slightly more common in American English.
Connotations
The dog breed is strongly associated with Siberia (Siberian Husky) and Arctic cultures in both varieties.
Frequency
The noun (dog) is high frequency. The adjective (voice) is medium frequency. The informal adjective (large/strong) is lower frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “husky” in a Sentence
have a husky [noun: voice, laugh]sound huskya husky [noun: man, boy, dog]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “husky” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- We're thinking of adopting a rescue husky from the local shelter.
- The husky's thick double coat requires regular grooming.
American English
- He used a team of Alaskan huskies for the winter expedition.
- Our husky loves to play in the snow more than anything.
adjective
British English
- After the concert, her voice was charmingly husky from singing.
- He'd grown into a rather husky teenager, much taller than his brother.
American English
- The actor's husky delivery of the line gave it real emotional weight.
- He was a husky football player, built for the defensive line.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except perhaps in marketing for outdoor or rugged products.
Academic
Rare, possibly in anthropology/geography discussing Arctic cultures.
Everyday
Common for discussing dog breeds and describing voices.
Technical
Used in dog breeding/veterinary contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “husky”
- Using 'husky' to mean 'fat' (it implies strength, not obesity).
- Misspelling as 'hulky' or 'huskey'.
- Overusing the adjective for any deep voice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are distinct Arctic sled dog breeds. Huskies are generally faster and lighter, while Malamutes are larger, stronger, and bred for heavier loads.
Yes, absolutely. A husky voice in a woman is often described as attractive, soulful, or smoky.
It can be perceived as slightly informal or blunt. Terms like 'stocky', 'solid', or 'strongly built' are often more neutral alternatives.
The word likely originates from a shortening of 'Eskimo' (an outdated term for Inuit peoples), via 'Eskimo dog' > 'Husky dog'.
A breed of dog originally used for pulling sleds in Arctic regions, characterized by a thick coat, erect ears, and a bushy tail.
Husky is usually neutral to informal for the adjective meaning; neutral for the dog breed. in register.
Husky: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌs.ki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʌs.ki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'husky']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HUSKY dog pulling a sled through the cold, its breath making a deep, HUSKY sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY OF SOUND IS TEXTURE (a husky voice is rough/textured). STRENGTH IS SIZE (a husky lad is large/strong).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'husky' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?