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.

Stout and slightly gruff, Dipper has a digital face that can approximate more than 40 expressions.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

He stays gruff, of course, but you sense that Ray is as manacled by his authoritarian role as Colin literally is in his hungry, slurping devotion to his master.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

In the Norwegian author Jon Fosse’s “Vaim,” translated by Damion Searls, the men are no less gruff than those of Mr. Gospodinov’s youth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

They are tall and clumsy in their movements, always making strange noises, sweet highs and gruff lows and long exhalations.

From "Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate