hoarse

[hawrs, hohrs]

adjective

hoarser, hoarsest 

1. having a vocal tone characterized by weakness of intensity and excessive breathiness; husky.

   the hoarse voice of the auctioneer.

   Synonyms: rough, throaty, grating, harsh

2. having a raucous voice.

3. making a harsh, low sound.

hoarse

/ hɔːs /

adjective

1. gratingly harsh or raucous in tone

2. low, harsh, and lacking in intensity

   a hoarse whisper

3. having a husky voice, as through illness, shouting, etc

Other Word Forms

• hoarsely adverb
• hoarseness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoarse¹

1350–1400; Middle English hors < Old Norse *hārs (assumed variant of hāss ); replacing Middle English hoos, Old English hās, cognate with Old High German heis, Old Saxon hēs

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoarse¹

C14: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hās, Old Saxon hēs

Example Sentences

His voice is hoarse, and Day is worried he’s sick.

From Los Angeles Times

Her voice grew hoarse as she helped a group of volunteers clean up after clashes between protesters and law enforcement the day before.

From Los Angeles Times

Jessica Juarez walked along Alondra Boulevard with a trash bag full of spent gas canisters, her voice hoarse as she helped clean her community with other residents Sunday morning.

From Los Angeles Times

The junior’s voice was hoarse and dry after the meet.

From Los Angeles Times

By the final buzzer, the coach’s voice had gone hoarse, largely from screaming at his defense, which completely unraveled once again.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• discordant 
• gravelly 
• gruff 
• harsh 
• raucous 
• throaty