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 of hoarse

• gruff
• husky
• coarse
• rusty
• rasping

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

During the debate, Joe Biden frequently lost his train of thought, stumbled over answers, and appeared hoarse, fueling concerns among voters and party leaders. —Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026

Signs include panting, a hoarse bark, scuffing or dragging their toes along the ground, and sometimes regurgitation or swallowing problems. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

His usually peppy voice is hoarse. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026

Tears have been shed, throats have been screamed hoarse. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for hoarse

• bourse
• coarse
• course
• force
• gorse
• horse
• norse
• source
• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce

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