adjective
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gratingly harsh or raucous in tone
-
low, harsh, and lacking in intensity
a hoarse whisper
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having a husky voice, as through illness, shouting, etc
Other Word Forms
- hoarsely adverb
- hoarseness noun
Etymology
Origin of hoarse
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Several supporters in Dakar, their voices still hoarse and weary, told AFP they were disappointed by such threats.
From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026
The graduates were hoarse and flights were canceled, but nobody seemed to mind.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025
"We love Newcastle, we do!" the hoarse home support roared at full-time before they applauded their side off the field.
From BBC • Sep. 18, 2025
His voice is hoarse, and Day is worried he’s sick.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2025
“He’s really hoarse from the surgery, so it hurts for him to speak. But don’t worry, the doctors say he’s doing well. And it helps that he has all your love and prayers.”
From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
