Gruff Definition
gruff
adjective
- brusque and surly and forbidding; "crusty remarks"; "a crusty old man"; "his curmudgeonly temper"; "gruff manner"; "a gruff reply"
- deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion; "gruff voices"; "the dog's gruff barking"; "hoarse cries"; "makes all the instruments sound powerful but husky"- Virgil Thomson
"Gruff" in song lyrics
See how gruff is used in real songs:
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"You talk to the boss,the boss is gruff"
Kurtis Blow — Tough -
"Playboy, tracks I like rough, ain't that right, Gruff?"
McGruff f/ Big L, Mase — Dangerzone -
"Ooh rougher than rough, big M, little C, Gruff"
McGruff f/ Heavy D, Shay Best — What Cha Doin to Me
Words that rhyme with gruff
Usage tips for "gruff"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "gruff" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for gruff to find words that pair well.