# raspy

/ˈɹæspi/ (US) · /ɹˈɑːspi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/raspy
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

sounding rough and dry, not smooth and clear. You use it for a voice or sound that feels a little harsh, often because of a cold or shouting.

For teachers: having a rough, harsh, grating quality in sound, especially of the human voice. Often caused by dryness, irritation, illness, or strain.

## Examples

- His voice sounds raspy after the long cold.
- The singer's raspy voice fills the small club and gives the slow songs extra feeling.
- After years of late shows in smoky bars, the old bluesman kept a raspy edge that made even simple lyrics sound lived-in and true.

## Synonyms

hoarse, scratchy, Gravelly, rasping

## Antonyms

smooth, clear

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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.