hoarse

[ hawrs, hohrs ]
/ hɔrs, hoʊrs /

adjective, hoars·er, hoars·est.

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.

Origin of hoarse

1350–1400; Middle English hors < Old Norse *hārs (assumed variant of hāss); replacing Middle English hoos, Old English hās, cognate with Old High German heis, Old Saxon hēs

OTHER WORDS FROM hoarse

hoarse·ly, adverb hoarse·ness, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH hoarse

hoarse horse

British Dictionary definitions for hoarse

hoarse
/ (hɔːs) /

adjective

gratingly harsh or raucous in tone
low, harsh, and lacking in intensity a hoarse whisper
having a husky voice, as through illness, shouting, etc

Derived forms of hoarse

hoarsely, adverb hoarseness, noun

Word Origin for hoarse

C14: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hās, Old Saxon hēs

Medical definitions for hoarse

hoarse
[ hôrs ]

adj.

Rough or grating in sound, as of a voice.
Having or characterized by a husky, grating voice.