raspy

adjective

ˈra-spē 

raspier; raspiest

1

: harsh, grating

2

: irritable

Synonyms of raspy

• irritable
• fiery

Examples of raspy in a Sentence

Her voice was raspy from yelling so much.

overwork tends to make him raspy

Recent Examples on the Web

When the pair appeared on the debate stage in Atlanta, Biden alarmed Democrats as he, with a raspy voice, stumbled through many of his answers, often lost his train of thought and struggled to communicate his positions. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 28 May 2026

The prize, which was auctioned off by Odenkirk, who assumed the role of a hypeman in a top hat and spoke in a raspy voice, included an autographed script of the highest bidder’s favorite episode and an invitation to a live reading of the show for up to three guests. —Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 8 May 2026

My range is so reduced, and the quality of my voice is raspy. —Nina Agrawal, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2026

In pansori, a vocalist delivers an epic tale by chanting in a raspy, guttural voice while accompanied by a drummer. —Regina Kim, Vanity Fair, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

raspy

adjective

ˈras-pē 

raspier; raspiest

: making a harsh grating sound

a raspy voice