soot

1 of 2

noun

: 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
The exterior is smudged, the wheels brown, the components smeared with years of soot. David Waldstein, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Although wildfire smoke causes soot pollution, it can’t be regulated by federal agencies like other sources of soot including industrial and agricultural pollutants. Ella Nilsen, CNN, 7 Feb. 2024 The process produces soot, which accumulates on the underside of the pan; the superfine powder is then collected and stored as kohl in ornate brass pots. Zahra Hankir, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 The Biden administration is tightening national limits on soot pollution, with the Environmental Protection Agency saying its new rule will save thousands of lives each year. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2024 In other words, to get soot and smog under control, regulators will also have to prioritize slashing other pollutants — carbon dioxide and methane emissions that cause climate change. Justine Calma, The Verge, 12 Feb. 2024 Industry groups and Republican officials said before the rule-making that a limit of 9 micrograms per cubic meter could sharply increase the number of U.S. counties in violation of the soot standard. Matthew Daly, Quartz, 7 Feb. 2024 Daniels’ small dog — covered in soot — was in the bathroom. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 2 Feb. 2024 The people ran away from the rear entrance, some visibly gasping for breath and others crying, most coated in a thick layer of dust and soot. James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'soot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of soot was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near soot

Cite this Entry

“Soot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soot. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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