rousing

adjective

rous·​ing ˈrau̇-ziŋ How to pronounce rousing (audio)
Synonyms of rousingnext
1
a
: giving rise to excitement : stirring
a rousing speech
b
: brisk, lively
… the good, old-fashioned custom of evening weddings with a rousing dance afterwards …—Lucy Maud Montgomery
2
: exceptional, superlative
a rousing success
rousingly adverb

Synonyms of rousing

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Examples of rousing in a Sentence

She was met with a rousing reception. a rousing rendition of our national anthem
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Christopher Nolan‘s box office journey with The Odyssey looks to be one for the books, as Universal Pictures‘ star-studded adaptation of the classical Greek mythological tale gets off to a rousing start in its opening weekend. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026 As Rebordinos appeared on stage to present the 23 Spanish titles at this year’s festival, flanked by Beloki, an industry audience got its feet to give him a spontaneous but rousing applause. — John Hopewell, Variety, 17 July 2026 After a rousing month of competitive soccer matches, the World Cup is about to end. — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 When first stepping on the Scarlet Lady, cruisers are met with a rousing, upbeat staff that serve as gurus around the ship and are experts on everything from beauty to juicing. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rousing

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rousing was in 1576

Rhymes for rousing

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Browse Nearby Words

rouser
rousing
Rous sarcoma
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Cite this Entry

“Rousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rousing. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rousing

adjective
rous·​ing
ˈrau̇-ziŋ
1
: having the power to rouse one
sang a rousing hymn
a rousing speech
2
: very good : exceptional
a rousing business

More from Merriam-Webster on rousing

Nglish: Translation of rousing for Spanish Speakers

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