What does hoarse mean?
Hoarse is an adjective describing a voice that sounds rough, dry, scratchy, or otherwise difficult to hear. The condition commonly results from a cold, inflammation, irritation, prolonged shouting, or intense use of the voice, but a hoarse quality can also be a deliberate vocal or stylistic feature. In literature, the word may characterize a cry, speech, or sound as harsh and emotionally powerful. It is especially useful when describing the physical quality of a voice rather than its emotional tone alone: a speaker can be hoarse because they are ill, exhausted, or deliberately adopting a rugged vocal style. The related noun “hoarseness” refers to the state of being hoarse, while the adverb “hoarsely” describes the manner in which someone speaks or sounds.
adjectiveHaving a rough, dry, or scratchy voice, often as a result of a cold, irritation, or prolonged use of the vocal cords. It may also describe a sound that is harsh and difficult to hear.
- Having a rough, dry, or scratchy voice, typically because of irritation or illness.
- Harsh and difficult to hear, as a hoarse sound or cry.
- Dry and rough in texture, especially in relation to the throat.
"Her voice had become hoarse after the long performance."
"He woke up with a sore throat and a hoarse voice."
"The speaker's hoarse cry echoed across the empty hall."
A hoarse voice often carries more character than a polished one: it can suggest illness, fatigue, emotion, or simply the texture of a memorable performance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hoarse come from?
Hoarse derives from Old French hors, meaning “rough” or “coarse,” which came from a Germanic word related to the English word “horse.” In Middle English, the word referred to a rough, unused, or coarse quality, and its use for a rough or strained voice developed by the early modern period. The modern form preserves the vowel and consonant pattern of the medieval word while adding the final silent “e” typical of later English spelling.
Related word forms
How hoarse is actually used
The word is commonly used for a voice affected by a cold, throat irritation, shouting, or crying. In literary contexts, it can describe any deliberately rough or emotionally charged vocal quality.
Easily confused with hoarse
A horse is an animal of the species Equus caballus, whereas a hoarse voice is rough and scratchy.