Raucous
RAW-kus
Definition
(adjective) Loud, harsh, and disorderly; boisterous in a rough or disruptive way.
Example
The forest erupted in a raucous chorus of crows as hikers approached the clearing.
Word Origin
From Latin raucus, meaning “hoarse” or “harsh-sounding.”
Fun Fact
Raucous describes more than just volume — it captures texture. The word is often used for sounds that are gritty or abrasive: shouting crowds, squabbling birds, rowdy laughter, or stormy winds tearing through branches. In nature writing, it’s a favorite term to evoke the wild, unpolished clamor of life that refuses to be quiet.