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sough
1[ sou, suhf ]
/ saÊ, sÊf /
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verb (used without object)
to make a rushing, rustling, or murmuring sound: the wind soughing in the meadow.
Scot. and North England. to speak, especially to preach, in a whining, singsong voice.
noun
a sighing, rustling, or murmuring sound.
Scot. and North England.
- a sigh or deep breath.
- a whining, singsong manner of speaking.
- a rumor; unconfirmed report.
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Origin of sough
1First recorded before 900; Middle English verb swoughen âto throw,â Old English swĆgan âto move with sound, make a noiseâ; cognate with Old Saxon swĆgan, Old English swÄgan âto move noisily,â Gothic -swĆgjan; the noun is derivative of the verb
OTHER WORDS FROM sough
sough·ful·ly, adverbsoughless, adjectiveWords nearby sough
Other definitions for sough (2 of 2)
sough2
[ suhf, sou ]
/ sÊf, saÊ /
noun
drain; drainage ditch, gutter, or sewer.
a swampy or marshy area.
verb (used with object)
to drain (land or a mine) by building drainage ditches or the like.
Also especially Scot., sugh [sookh, soof, soo] /sux, suf, su/ .
Origin of sough
2First recorded in 1300â50; Middle English sough, sou(e); further origin obscure; compare Dutch dialect zoeg âlittle ditchâ
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use sough in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for sough (1 of 2)
sough1
/ (saÊ) /
verb
(intr) (esp of the wind) to make a characteristic sighing sound
noun
a soft continuous murmuring sound
Word Origin for sough
Old English swĆgan to resound; related to Gothic gaswogjan to groan, Lithuanian svageti to sound, Latin vÄgÄ«re to lament
British Dictionary definitions for sough (2 of 2)
sough2
/ (sÊf) /
noun
Northern English dialect a sewer or drain or an outlet channel
Word Origin for sough
of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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