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

Shaking every hand and wishing each member safety and luck, the pair gave a rousing pep talk. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026

In addition to having lofty themes, this is also a fairly rousing adventure with enough visual panache to keep any kid from fidgeting in his seat. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 June 2026

The rousing and sudden cheer on the par-3 seventh sounded as though Clark had just hit it close. — ABC News, 23 June 2026

Following a formal presentation of colors by the Illinois Color Guard, Jennifer Hudson sang a rousing rendition of the national anthem accompanied only by a piano. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 18 June 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