rousing

adjective

rous·​ing ˈrau̇-ziŋ How to pronounce rousing (audio)
1
a
: giving rise to excitement : stirring
a rousing speech
b
2
: exceptional, superlative
a rousing success
rousingly adverb

Examples of rousing in a Sentence

She was met with a rousing reception. a rousing rendition of our national anthem
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His first season in Columbus after transferring from Alabama was a rousing success as the safety was a unanimous first-team All-American for the national champion Buckeyes. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 Estevao ended his Chelsea pre-season debut against Bayer Leverkusen with a first Stamford Bridge goal and a rousing ovation from the home support. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025 But with the help of his friends and a rousing, inclusive baseball game, Hugo learns that everyone needs something a little different to succeed and that working together is no trouble at all. Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025 After a rousing 31-point victory over the Golden State Valkyries, the Sun came back to Earth in their last outing, a 101-85 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Storm. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rousing

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rousing was in 1576

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rousing. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

rousing

adjective
rous·​ing
ˈrau̇-ziŋ
1
: having the power to rouse one
sang a rousing hymn
a rousing speech
2
: very good : exceptional
a rousing business

More from Merriam-Webster on rousing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!