I. hus ‧ ky 1 /ˈhʌski/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Sense 1: Date: 1700-1800 ; Origin: Probably from husk 'to have a dry cough' (16-19 centuries) (from the sound). ]
[ Sense 2: Date: 1800-1900 ; Origin: Probably from ⇨ ↑ husk 1 ; because corn-husks are hard and strong ]
1 . a husky voice is deep, quiet, and attractive:
‘Come quickly,’ she said in a husky whisper.
2 . especially American English a man or boy who is husky is big and strong
—huskily adverb
• • •
THESAURUS
■ voices/sounds that are not high
▪ low a low voice or sound is not high on the scale of musical sounds:
I can’t sing the low notes.
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He’s got quite a low singing voice.
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Boys’ voices usually become much lower as they get older.
▪ deep a deep voice or sound is low, strong, and pleasant:
He has a lovely deep voice.
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The engine has a wonderfully deep sound to it, like it’s ready to race.
▪ husky a husky voice is deep, quiet, and rough-sounding, especially in a way that is attractive:
Monroe sang 'Happy Birthday, Mr President’ in a slow husky voice.
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His voice dropped to a husky whisper.
▪ gravelly a gravelly voice is very low and rough sounding:
The singer is famous for his gravelly voice.
II. husky 2 BrE AmE noun ( plural huskies ) [countable]
[ Date: 1800-1900 ; Origin: Probably from Eskimo ]
a dog with thick hair used in Canada and Alaska to pull ↑ sledge s over the snow