WordGarden.ioroar
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɔː/
US
- /ˈrɔr/
Meanings
Verb
to make the loud deep cry typical of a lion or other large wild animal
to make a loud deep booming sound, as an engine, crowd, or storm does
to shout or say something loudly and forcefully
Noun
a loud deep cry or booming sound
Beyond the definition
A roar is not just any loud noise; it is a deep, strong sound that feels full of power. A lion in the wild is the classic example, but the word is also used for many other things. Water can roar as it rushes over rocks, an engine can roar as it speeds up, and a crowd can roar with laughter or approval. You can also say a fire roared to life when it suddenly burned with more force. The word often suggests energy, size, and a sound that is hard to ignore.
The word "roar" often brings to mind powerful animals like lions and tigers making a deep, heavy sound that seems to shake the air. This is its most famous meaning: the strong cry of an animal, often used to warn, challenge, or show power. It is the kind of sound that demands attention at once.
However, "roar" is not limited to animals. It can also describe the loud, rolling sound made by nature or machines. A waterfall may roar as water crashes downward, thunder may roar across the sky, and an engine may roar as a car or plane moves with force. In these cases, the word highlights both volume and power.
The word is also common in a more figurative sense. A crowd can roar with laughter, people can roar their approval at a game or concert, and someone can roar in anger or pain. In each case, the sound is not small or quiet; it comes out with force and feeling. So whether it is the cry of a wild animal, the sound of rushing water, or the loud reaction of a room full of people, "roar" suggests power, energy, and a presence that is impossible to miss.
Examples
- 1
Animal sound
The lion roared and the children stepped back from the fence.
- 2
Sea sound
We could hear the sea roaring outside all night.
- 3
Vehicle noise
A truck roared past the house just after midnight.
- 4
Crowd reaction
The crowd roared when the home team scored.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Laughter
The audience roared with laughter at his first joke.
- Phraseroar with laughter
laugh very loudly
- 6
Engine starting
The old engine finally roared to life on the third try.
- Phraseroar to life
start suddenly and loudly
- 7
Public approval
The mayor's announcement was met with a roar of approval.
- Phrasea roar of approval
a very loud cheer showing support
- 8
Traffic noise
Her reply was lost in the roar of the traffic.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- roarnounverb
Forms
- roaring-ing formverbnoun
- roaredpast tenseverbnoun
- roarspluralnounverb