hoarse

[ hawrs, hohrs ]

adjective

, hoars·er, hoars·est.

1. having a vocal tone characterized by weakness of intensity and excessive breathiness; husky:

   the hoarse voice of the auctioneer.

   Synonyms: rough, throaty, grating, harsh

2. having a raucous voice.
3. making a harsh, low sound.

hoarse

/ hɔːs /

adjective

1. gratingly harsh or raucous in tone
2. low, harsh, and lacking in intensity

   a hoarse whisper

3. having a husky voice, as through illness, shouting, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈhoarseness, noun
• ˈhoarsely, adverb

Other Words From

• hoarsely adverb
• hoarseness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoarse¹

1350–1400; Middle English hors < Old Norse *hārs (assumed variant of hāss ); replacing Middle English hoos, Old English hās, cognate with Old High German heis, Old Saxon hēs

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoarse¹

C14: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hās, Old Saxon hēs

Example Sentences

His voice was hoarse, his exhaustion evident.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts shouted, his hoarse voice booming through the stadium speakers after the Dodgers’ pennant-clinching win over the New York Mets in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.

From Los Angeles Times

George Gascón’s voice is hoarse as he struggles to film a TikTok video.

From Los Angeles Times

The players’ voices were still hoarse.

From Los Angeles Times

The Padres fans were, instead, the portrait of strength and sportsmanship, roaring and waving yellow towels until finally howling themselves hoarse when Tanner Scott struck out Shohei Ohtani looking in the eighth inning to end the Dodgers’ best last chance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• discordant
• gravelly
• gruff
• harsh
• raucous
• throaty