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

By the time Embiid helped put some distance between the Pacers, Maxey was subbed out for good late in the fourth and earned a rousing ovation from Sixers fans. —CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026

The rousing Game of Thrones series music begins to play before a sharp cut sees Dunk defecating by the tree. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Jan. 2026

After years of deserved criticism for less-than-dynamic ownership and middling budgets, Ricketts should get a rousing ovation at the team’s fan convention Thursday. —Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026

The legend received a rousing standing ovation while taking the stage. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 9 Jan. 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