hoarser; hoarsest
1
: rough or harsh in sound : grating
a hoarse voice
2
: having a hoarse voice
shouted himself hoarse
hoarsely adverb
hoarseness noun

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
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.
Davis and subsequently Streep — whose acceptance speech included a biographical survey of half the celebrities in the room and a call for resistance made in a voice gone hoarse by hollering at Women’s March protests the day before — know the only way out is through. Vulture Staff, Vulture, 5 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for hoarse 

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

Dictionary Entries Near hoarse

Cite this Entry

“Hoarse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hoarse. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

hoarse

adjective
ˈhō(ə)rs How to pronounce hoarse (audio)
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!