rousing

adjective

rous·​ing ˈrau̇-ziŋ 

1

a

: giving rise to excitement : stirring

a rousing speech

b

: brisk, lively

2

: exceptional, superlative

a rousing success

rousingly adverb

Synonyms

• 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

There was another threepeat in the women’s 4x100m thanks to the quadrant of Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Twanisha Terry, Kayla White and Sha’Carri Richardson before a rousing finish from reigning Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles saw the US defeat Canada in the corresponding men’s event. —Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025

Though Woollcott died unexpectedly just a little more than a month before publication, the book was a rousing success, going through multiple printings. —Paul Slovak september 16, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025

Specifically, a rousing game of Pips. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Carpenter, who just released her album Man’s Best Friend last month, took to the stage with a rousing homage to previous VMA queen Britney Spears and a message advocating for trans rights, featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants as backup dancers. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025

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