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

Even if some still lament his distinct hoarse voice and, at times, indifference to showmanship. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025

What's Wrong with RFK Jr.'s Voice? Kennedy's voice has been a defining feature of his public appearances for more than a decade, characterized by a strained, hoarse, and tremulous quality. —Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

Most people have adductor spasmodic dysphonia, which causes the voice to sound strained, tight and hoarse. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025

Haidar’s voice is hoarse and strained, the result of an emergency tracheostomy, a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck to aid breathing. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 2 May 2025

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