raucous

[raw-kuhs]

adjective

1. harsh; strident; grating.

   raucous voices; raucous laughter.

   Synonyms: raspy, rough
   Antonyms: dulcet, mellow, soft

2. rowdy; disorderly.

   a raucous party.

raucous

/ ˈrɔːsɪtɪ, ˈrɔːkəs /

adjective

1. (of voices, cries, etc) harshly or hoarsely loud

Other Word Forms

• raucously adverb
• raucousness noun
• raucity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of raucous¹

1760–70; < Latin raucus hoarse, harsh, rough; -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of raucous¹

C18: from Latin raucus hoarse

Example Sentences

What had been a raucous crowd earlier in the night suddenly grew tense.

From Los Angeles Times

It will be obvious Saturday night, when the series begins at what will be a raucous Citizens Bank Park.

From Los Angeles Times

“These proceedings against the defendant were instituted unlawfully and are null,” Goldspring said, releasing Ó hAnnaidh to raucous cheers from Kneecap supporters — including the rapper’s parents — in the courtroom.

From Los Angeles Times

Had this draw in the raucous Marakana been in the Champions League, the praise may have been piling in.

From BBC

Inside the stadium, the mood and atmosphere resembled a raucous political rally or megachurch service with music beforehand from Christian bands who prompted singalongs and prayer from the crowd of almost 100,000.

From BBC

Related Words

• boisterous 
• disorderly 
• rambunctious 
• rowdy 
• turbulent 
• unruly