Main Entry: loud

Pronunciation: \ˈlau̇d\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hlūd; akin to Old High German hlūt loud, Latin inclutus famous, Greek klytos, Sanskrit śṛṇoti he hears

Date: before 12th century

1 a : marked by intensity or volume of sound b : producing a loud sound
2 : clamorous, noisy
3 : obtrusive or offensive in appearance or smell : obnoxious

— loud adverb

— loud·ly adverb

synonyms loud, stentorian, earsplitting, raucous, strident mean marked by intensity or volume of sound. loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness <loud shouts of protest>. stentorian implies great power and range <an actor with a stentorian voice>. earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting <the earsplitting sound of a siren>. raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness <the raucous shouts of drunken revelers>. strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice <the strident voices of hecklers>.