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hoarser; hoarsest
1
: rough or harsh in sound : grating
a hoarse voice
2
: having a hoarse voice
shouted himself hoarse
hoarsely
adverb
hoarseness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of hoarse in a Sentence
She could only speak in a hoarse whisper.
The cold made me a little hoarse.
Recent Examples on the Web
While working through the audio issues, Billy Ray wandered the stage, sang a cappella, and left some viewers concerned about his hoarse voice and at times erratic behavior.
—
Shania Russell, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
Hollis lists her grievances, her voice hoarse and shrill.
—
Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
During the presidential debate between Biden and Trump, the president's voice sounded hoarse, particularly as the debate began, and his answers at times seemed muddled.
—
Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Your voice may be hoarse, and your throat may be sore, inflamed, or painful.
—
Sherri Gordon, Health, 1 Sep. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English hos, hors, probably from Old Norse *hārs, hāss; akin to Old English hās hoarse, Old High German heis
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of hoarse was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing hoarse
Dictionary Entries Near hoarse
Cite this Entry
“Hoarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hoarse. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
hoarse
adjective
ˈhō(ə)rs
ˈhȯ(ə)rs
hoarser; hoarsest
1
: harsh in sound
2
: having a rough voice
a cold made me hoarse
hoarsely
adverb
hoarseness
noun
Medical Definition
hoarse
adjective
hoarser; hoarsest
1
: rough or harsh in sound
a hoarse voice
2
: having a hoarse voice
was hoarse from shouting
hoarsely
adverb
hoarseness
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on hoarse
Nglish: Translation of hoarse for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of hoarse for Arabic Speakers
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