adj.
Pronunciation: ' lau ̇ d
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hl ū d; akin to Old High German hl ū t loud, Latin in clutus famous, Greek klytos, Sanskrit ś ṛ ṇ oti he hears
Date: before 12th century
1 a : marked by intensity or volume of sound b : producing a loud sound
2 : CLAMOROUS , NOISY
3 : obtrusive or offensive in appearance or smell : OBNOXIOUS
– loud adverb
– loud · ly adverb
synonyms LOUD , STENTORIAN , EARSPLITTING , RAUCOUS , STRIDENT mean marked by intensity or volume of sound. LOUD applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness < loud shouts of protest>. STENTORIAN implies great power and range <an actor with a stentorian voice>. EARSPLITTING implies loudness that is physically discomforting <the earsplitting sound of a siren>. RAUCOUS implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness <the raucous shouts of drunken revelers>. STRIDENT implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice <the strident voices of hecklers>.