homey

Homey is a word with multiple uses in English and also the name of a consumer technology product. As an informal adjective, homey describes something that has the feel of a home: cozy, comfortable, and inviting. A homey room or homey atmosphere suggests warmth and familiarity. The term is commonly used in American English as an informal alternative to homely or cozy, with comparative forms such as homier or homeier.

As slang, a homey (also spelled homie) refers to a close friend or associate. It is used in casual conversation, often within urban or youth vernacular, to describe someone regarded as a trusted companion. The term can be seen as similar in meaning to homeboy or homegirl, though regional usage varies and some speakers may consider it informal.

Homey is also the name of a smart home platform developed by the Dutch company Athom. The Homey hub aims to unify control of a wide range of smart devices and protocols, including Zigbee and Z-Wave, by providing centralized automation and scene creation. The platform supports apps for many brands, enabling cross‑vendor automations and voice interactions. Since its introduction, Homey has released multiple hardware generations and continues to promote an open, interoperable approach to home automation.

In general use, the meaning of homey depends on context: as a descriptor it denotes coziness or hominess, as slang it signals friendship, and as a product name it designates a smart home hub. When clarity is needed, substituting terms like cozy, homelike, or trusted friend can avoid ambiguity.