What does roar mean?
To roar is to produce a loud, deep, powerful sound. The verb is commonly used for animals such as lions, for engines and machinery, for storms and waves, and for people who shout angrily. It can also describe forceful laughter, while a roar of approval or excitement may come from a large crowd. As a noun, a roar is the sound itself, but the word can also mean a person or thing that roars. In figurative contexts, roaring suggests great force, excitement, or noise. The word is vivid because its sound imitates what it describes: it is typically louder, lower, and more sustained than an ordinary shout or cry. Although nearly universal in modern English, it is particularly associated with powerful natural sounds, powerful machines, and emphatic human reactions.
To make a loud, deep, sustained sound, or to shout forcefully.
"The lion roared across the valley."
The verb can be transitive, as in “roar an order,” but is most often intransitive.
A loud, deep, prolonged sound; a forceful expression of laughter, approval, or anger; or a person or thing that roars.
"His reply was met with a roar of laughter."
The plural is used for individual sounds, as in “the roars of the crowd,” and for people or things that produce such sounds.
"The distant roars of the engines echoed through the tunnel."
A roar can describe a lion, a motorcycle, a storm, or a stadium crowd, capturing any sound that is powerful enough to command attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does roar come from?
English roar developed through Middle English from Old English rōrian, meaning “to roar” or “bellow.” It belongs to a Germanic word family that includes Old Norse róa and more broadly related words such as Dutch roeren and German rühren, whose meanings developed toward “stir” or “move.” The Middle English form roren helped establish the modern pronunciation and spelling.
Related word forms
How roar is actually used
The word is neutral in register and common in both British and American English. It is especially natural for animals, vehicles, storms, and large groups; figurative uses often involve laughter, approval, pain, or anger.
Easily confused with roar
No distinction is needed because this is the headword.