rousing

adjective

rous·​ing ˈrau̇-ziŋ 

1

a

: giving rise to excitement : stirring

a rousing speech

b

: brisk, lively

… the good, old-fashioned custom of evening weddings with a rousing dance afterwards …

—Lucy Maud Montgomery

2

: exceptional, superlative

a rousing success

rousingly adverb

Synonyms of rousing

• breathtaking
• exciting
• thrilling
• interesting
• inspiring
• intriguing

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

Aegon will have none of it and begins his rousing, defiant speech. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Kurkdjian conceived it as a counterweight to the very sweet and spicy Elixir, and as another option for the wearer who wants Sauvage’s full rousing potential, but with executive muscle. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026

Christopher Nolan‘s box office journey with The Odyssey looks to be one for the books, as Universal Pictures‘ star-studded adaptation of the classical Greek mythological tale gets off to a rousing start in its opening weekend. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026

As Rebordinos appeared on stage to present the 23 Spanish titles at this year’s festival, flanked by Beloki, an industry audience got its feet to give him a spontaneous but rousing applause. — John Hopewell, Variety, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for rousing

• browsing
• housing
• rehousing
• arousing
• carousing
• espousing
• warehousing

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