# coarse

/ˈkɔɹs/ (US) · /kˈɔːs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/coarse
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. rough texture

adjective · CEFR B1

having a rough or uneven surface; not smooth to the touch.

For teachers: having a rough or harsh texture; not smooth or fine in consistency.

- The jacket was made of a coarse wool that felt scratchy against his skin.
- The artisan preferred working with coarse linen, valuing the tactile quality and durability that more refined fabrics often lacked.

### 2. large particles

adjective · CEFR B2

made of large pieces or grains rather than a fine powder.

For teachers: consisting of large particles or grains; granular in composition.

- The recipe calls for coarse salt to be sprinkled over the top of the bread.
- The geologist noted that the coarse sand found near the riverbank indicated a high-energy environment where smaller particles had been washed away.

### 3. rude or unrefined

adjective · CEFR B2

rude, impolite, or using bad language.

For teachers: lacking refinement, taste, or delicacy; often applied to vulgar language or manners.

- He was embarrassed by his friend's coarse jokes at the formal dinner.
- The critic dismissed the play as coarse, arguing that its reliance on toilet humour overshadowed the otherwise clever plot.

## Examples

- The coarse sand scratched my skin.
- She preferred the coarse linen sheets because they felt cooler in the summer heat.
- His coarse manners offended the guests, who were accustomed to the refined etiquette of the upper class.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.