loud

"Loud" describes something that makes a strong, easy-to-hear sound. A whisper is quiet, but fireworks, traffic, or a speaker turned up too high are loud. The word can also describe a person, style, or behavior that attracts a lot of attention. Someone may have a loud laugh, wear a loud shirt, or speak in a way that fills the room. You might ask people to keep it down if they are being too loud, or complain about the loud construction outside your window.

The word "loud" most often describes something that produces a strong, clear, or powerful sound. What feels loud depends on the situation. A normal voice may seem loud in a library, but the same voice may seem quiet at a concert. The word often suggests that the sound is hard to ignore and may even bother people.

The meaning also goes beyond sound. A person can be called loud if they talk in a very noticeable way, laugh strongly, or behave in a way that draws attention. Clothes, colors, or patterns can also be loud if they are very bright, bold, or flashy. In these cases, the idea is not just sound, but something that stands out.

You can use the word for many things: a loud car horn, a loud argument, a loud shirt, or loud music from the next apartment. People also sometimes use it in a more figurative way, such as "a loud silence," to describe a silence that feels very strong or uncomfortable.

For example, you might say, "The band played so loudly that the windows rattled," or "She wore a loud floral dress to the party." You could also say, "He was known for his loud opinions." So whether it is about sound, style, or personality, "loud" usually describes something that gets attention quickly and strongly.