Hoarse: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'hoarse' when someone's voice is rough and weak, usually because of illness or overuse.

• After cheering at the game all night, he sounded hoarse.
• She has a hoarse voice from a cold.

Use 'husky' to describe a deep, slightly rough voice which can sound attractive. It is often used positively.

• She spoke in a husky whisper.
• His husky voice made him sound very masculine.

Use 'rough' to describe a voice that is not smooth, often due to pain or irritation. It can also describe the quality of someone's general demeanor.

• Her voice was rough from shouting too much.
• He spoke in a rough tone that intimidated others.

Use 'gruff' when someone's voice is low and harsh, often giving an impression of rudeness or being unfriendly.

• His gruff response made it clear he was not interested.
• Despite his gruff exterior, he is very kind.