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

But those hoarse Newcastle United fans standing in the away end did not want to go home after watching the visitors defeat Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Brussels.

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According to some reports, there may be tell-tale symptoms with the latest ones - a hoarse voice or a "razor blade" sore throat.

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A Labour source said: "I've heard of a stalking horse, but this guy is going to get hoarse from his endless stalking."

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"We love Newcastle, we do!" the hoarse home support roared at full-time before they applauded their side off the field.

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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