hoarse

adjective

ˈhȯrs How to pronounce hoarse (audio)
hoarser; hoarsest
Synonyms of hoarse
1
: rough or harsh in sound : grating
a hoarse voice
2
: having a hoarse voice
shouted himself hoarse
hoarsely adverb
hoarseness noun

Synonyms of hoarse

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Examples of hoarse in a Sentence

She could only speak in a hoarse whisper. The cold made me a little hoarse.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Singers didn’t want their voices to get hoarse over the long night or week. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Saliva collects at the mouthpiece and distorts the notes, making the blasts sound hoarse and off-pitch. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 Workers also reported hoarse voices, chronic coughs and asthma-like symptoms. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026 When 39 days of elite physical punishment concluded with stadium lights dimming across North America, millions of fans limped away from watch parties with hoarse voices and sore feet. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hoarse

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hos, hors, probably from Old Norse *hārs, hāss; akin to Old English hās hoarse, Old High German heis

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hoarse was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing hoarse

Rhymes for hoarse

See All Rhymes for hoarse

Browse Nearby Words

hoariness
hoarse
hoarsely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hoarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hoarse. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hoarse

adjective
ˈhō(ə)rs How to pronounce hoarse (audio)
ˈhȯ(ə)rs
hoarser; hoarsest
1
: harsh in sound
2
: having a rough voice
a cold made me hoarse
hoarsely adverb
hoarseness noun

Medical Definition

hoarse

adjective
ˈhō(ə)rs, ˈhȯ(ə)rs How to pronounce hoarse (audio)
hoarser; hoarsest
1
: rough or harsh in sound
a hoarse voice
2
: having a hoarse voice
was hoarse from shouting
hoarsely adverb
hoarseness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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