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

He was welcomed back by a rousing ovation Friday at Ball Arena. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026

During perhaps the most rousing eulogy of all on Saturday, Jackson’s second-oldest son, Jonathan, referenced his father’s journey from then to now, while a who’s-who of faith leaders, heads of state, dignitaries, power brokers and celebrities mourned before him. —Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Mansour, in a December podcast interview, likened his beef with Coplan with one of the most rousing rivalries in NFL history, the face-off between Tom Brady and Eli Manning over football quarterback supremacy. —Bobby Allyn, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026

He was clearly remembered by the crowd, which gave him a rousing ovation after watching a video tribute. —Janis Carr, Oc Register, 5 Mar. 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