roar

[ rawr, rohr ]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a loud, deep cry or howl, as in excitement, distress, or anger.

   Synonyms: yell, bawl

2. to laugh loudly or boisterously:

   to roar at a joke.

3. to make a loud sound or din, as thunder, cannon, waves, or wind.

   Synonyms: peal, thunder, boom, resound

4. to function or move with a loud, deep sound, as a vehicle:

   The automobile roared away.

5. to make a loud noise in breathing, as a horse.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or express in a roar:

   to roar denials.

2. to bring, put, make, etc., by roaring:

   to roar oneself hoarse.

noun

1. a loud, deep cry or howl, as of an animal or a person:

   the roar of a lion.

2. a loud, confused, constant noise or sound; din; clamor:

   the roar of the surf; the roar of lively conversation from the crowded party.

3. a loud outburst:

   a roar of laughter; a roar of approval from the audience.

roar

/ rɔː /

verb

1. (of lions and other animals) to utter characteristic loud growling cries
2. also tr (of people) to utter (something) with a loud deep cry, as in anger or triumph
3. to laugh in a loud hearty unrestrained manner
4. See roaring
   (of horses) to breathe with laboured rasping sounds See roaring
5. (of the wind, waves, etc) to blow or break loudly and violently, as during a storm
6. (of a fire) to burn fiercely with a roaring sound
7. (of a machine, gun, etc) to operate or move with a loud harsh noise
8. tr to bring (oneself) into a certain condition by roaring

   to roar oneself hoarse

noun

1. a loud deep cry, uttered by a person or crowd, esp in anger or triumph
2. a prolonged loud cry of certain animals, esp lions
3. any similar noise made by a fire, the wind, waves, artillery, an engine, etc
4. a loud unrestrained burst of laughter

Derived Forms

• ˈroarer, noun

Other Words From

• roarer noun
• outroar verb (used with object)
• under·roarer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of roar¹

before 900; Middle English roren (v.), Old English rārian; cognate with Old High German rēren to bellow

Word History and Origins

Origin of roar¹

Old English rārian ; related to Old High German rērēn , Middle Dutch reren

Synonym Study

See cry.

Example Sentences

Brands have new opportunities to forge connectionsEven without the roar of a physical crowd, there’s no denying that sports have made a triumphant return.

From Digiday

The permitting pause sent shocks through the oil industry, and Kern County responded with a full-throated roar.

From ProPublica

A global conversation about diversity and inclusion is growing to a roar no one can ignore.

From Fortune

Without the roar of packed arenas or the sound of busy sports bars, however, social media will be the place where sports’ most passionate fans go to get an experience.

From Digiday

They also sing at a higher sound frequency in urban neighborhoods to help their songs stand out against a city’s roar.

From Science News For Students

Internet chatter rose to a deafening roar as speculation began about what—plastic surgery?

From The Daily Beast

Motorcycles roar and swerve around women who balance soaring bundles confidently on their heads.

From The Daily Beast

It will just take time for those little murmurs to become a roar.

From The Daily Beast

I was sleeping late after a long weekend of work, when my girlfriend heard the roar of its engines approaching.

From The Daily Beast

This summons all the proximate Beyoncé voters, as we reply in a full-throated roar, “ALLLLLL THE SINGLE LAAAAADIES!”

From The Daily Beast

All night long they expected to hear the roar of the pursuing guns, to find the sabers of the Dragoons flashing over their heads.

From Project Gutenberg

The poor dandy showed a pair of straight coat-tails instanter, and the whole table joined in a "tremenjous" roar.

From Project Gutenberg

And thou hast delivered me, according to the multitude of the mercy of thy name, from them that did roar, prepared to devour.

From Project Gutenberg

One day the hopes of all were aroused by a distant roar in the mountains, only to be dashed by finding it to be thunder.

From Project Gutenberg

A terrific roar followed, the canvas was instantly torn open, and the whole tent fell in dire confusion on the top of its inmates.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bark
• blast
• boom
• crash
• explode
• holler
• rebound
• resound
• rumble
• shout
• thunder
• yell