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.
With a hoarse voice at the end of the last day before the 2024 presidential election, Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Walz late Monday night delivered a final message focused on reproductive rights to Michigan voters at a rally in downtown Detroit as the campaign drew to a close. Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024 His performance on the debate stage, which was marked by his hoarse voice, repeated stumbles and gaffes, reinforced that message to millions of Americans who tuned in Thursday night for the first face-to-face showdown since 2020 between Biden and presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump. Ken Tran, USA TODAY, 28 June 2024 All individuals who use these medications should be alert to symptoms of a thyroid tumor, such as a lump in the neck, a hoarse voice, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 Roberts shouted, his hoarse voice booming through the stadium speakers after the Dodgers’ pennant-clinching win over the New York Mets in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 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 21 Nov. 2024.

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
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