gruff

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Born Tyrone Griffin Jr., Ty Dolla Sign is known for his gruff sandpaper vocals and memorable hooks.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

Gen. Vasyl Maliuk, a gruff and muscular career security officer, took charge of the agency soon after Russia invaded in 2022.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

Carpenter is a gruff but approachable 77 these days, his career as a film director receding in the rearview.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 23, 2025

Unlike the gruff, barky impressions lots of comedians were doing at the time, Johnson’s had a flow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

“You’d be surprised,” came a voice from the floor, gruff and rich and slow.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman