rousing

1 of 2

adjective

rous·​ing ˈrau̇-ziŋ How to pronounce rousing (audio)
Synonyms of rousingnext
1
a
: giving rise to excitement : stirring
a rousing speech
b
: brisk, lively
… the good, old-fashioned custom of evening weddings with a rousing dance afterwards …—Lucy Maud Montgomery
2
: exceptional, superlative
a rousing success
rousingly adverb

rousing

2 of 2

present participle of rouse entry 1

Synonyms of rousing

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Adjective

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Examples of rousing in a Sentence

Adjective She was met with a rousing reception. a rousing rendition of our national anthem
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The final product is a rousing, brisk, and genuinely inspiring biopic that never feels like homework. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026 Brees received a rousing ovation as he was introduced on the field, wearing his gold Hall of Fame jacket, and presented his ring by Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 In a routing, rousing, definitive sweep of the Red Sox in the wild card, the current iteration of the Yankees looked like the best chance the team has had to win it all with Judge. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 The signal-caller earned a game ball from head coach Ben Johnson and gave a rousing, emotional speech in the locker room after the game. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rousing

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rousing was in 1576

Rhymes for rousing

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Browse Nearby Words

rouser
rousing
Rous sarcoma
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Cite this Entry

“Rousing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rousing. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rousing

adjective
rous·​ing
ˈrau̇-ziŋ
1
: having the power to rouse one
sang a rousing hymn
a rousing speech
2
: very good : exceptional
a rousing business
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