WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
hoarse /hɔrs/USA pronunciation
adj., hoars•er, hoars•est.
hoarse•ness, n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- having a weak, rough, or unclear voice:My voice was hoarse after lecturing.
hoarse•ness, n. [uncountable]
hoarse
(hôrs, hōrs),USA pronunciation adj. hoars•er, hoars•est.
hoarse′ly, adv.
hoarse′ness, n.
- having a vocal tone characterized by weakness of intensity and excessive breathiness;
husky:the hoarse voice of the auctioneer. - having a raucous voice.
- making a harsh, low sound.
- Old Norse *hārs (assumed variant of hāss); replacing Middle English hoos, Old English hās, cognate with Old High German heis, Old Saxon hēs
- Middle English hors 1350–1400
hoarse′ness, n.
- 1. harsh, grating; throaty, rough.
'hoarsely' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):