hoarse

adjective

ˈhȯrs 

hoarser; hoarsest

1

: rough or harsh in sound : grating

a hoarse voice

2

: having a hoarse voice

shouted himself hoarse

hoarsely adverb

hoarseness noun

Synonyms

• coarse
• croaking
• croaky
• grating
• gravel
• gravelly
• gruff
• husky
• rasping
• raspy
• rusty
• scratchy
• throaty

Examples of hoarse in a Sentence

She could only speak in a hoarse whisper.

The cold made me a little hoarse.

Recent Examples on the Web

Biden, who at 81 is the oldest sitting president in history, spoke with a hoarse voice that his team attributed to a cold. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 21 July 2024

Biden, 81, has faced calls to drop out of the presidential race ever since his poor debate performance in June, where his verbal stumbles and hoarse voice elevated concerns about his age. —Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 21 July 2024

Biden’s showing was at times halting, often stopping to clear his throat and speaking through a hoarse voice. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 12 July 2024

From the opening exchanges, the incumbent appeared hoarse, unsteady, and at times confused. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hos, hors, probably from Old Norse *hārs, hāss; akin to Old English hās hoarse, Old High German heis

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hoarse

• shout oneself hoarse

Kids Definition

hoarse

adjective

ˈhō(ə)rs 

ˈhȯ(ə)rs

hoarser; hoarsest

1

: harsh in sound

2

: having a rough voice

a cold made me hoarse

hoarsely adverb

hoarseness noun

Medical Definition

hoarse

adjective

ˈhō(ə)rs, ˈhȯ(ə)rs 

hoarser; hoarsest

1

: rough or harsh in sound

a hoarse voice

2

: having a hoarse voice

was hoarse from shouting

hoarsely adverb

hoarseness noun