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

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

Mighty Mary is a rousing story of courage, teamwork and persistence, revealing how one bold act can ripple outward to shift culture, expand possibility and open doors for generations to come. —Brent Lang, Variety, 17 June 2026

When England sealed World Cup qualification with a win in Latvia the following month, Kane gave another rousing dressing room speech. —Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 16 June 2026

What happens when a vivacious, perky, wannabe actress moves across the hall from two Caltech physicists whose idea of a big Saturday night is a rousing game of Dungeons and Dragons? —Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 15 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