First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1rough
adjective \ˈrəf\
: having a surface that is not even
: having or causing sudden, violent movements
: difficult or unpleasant to deal with
rough·errough·est
Full Definition of ROUGH
1
a : marked by inequalities, ridges, or projections on the surface : coarse b : covered with or made up of coarse and often shaggy hair <rough-coated collie> — compare smooth, wirehaired c (1) : having a broken, uneven, or bumpy surface <rough terrain> (2) : difficult to travel through or penetrate : wild <into the rough woods — P. B. Shelley>
2
a : turbulent, tempestuous <rough seas> b (1) : characterized by harshness, violence, or force (2) : presenting a challenge : difficult <rough to deal with — R. M. McAlmon>
3
: coarse or rugged in character or appearance: as a : harsh to the ear b : crude in style or expression c : indelicate d : marked by a lack of refinement or grace : uncouth
4
a : crude, unfinished <rough carpentry> b : executed or ventured hastily, tentatively, or imperfectly <a rough draft> <rough estimate>; also : approximate <a rough idea>
— rough·ish \ˈrə-fish\ adjective
— rough·ness \ˈrəf-nəs\ noun
See rough defined for English-language learners
See rough defined for kids
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Origin of ROUGH
Middle English, from Old English rūh; akin to Old High German rūh rough, Lithuanian raukas wrinkle
Related to ROUGH
Synonym Discussion of ROUGH
rough, harsh, uneven, rugged, scabrous mean not smooth or even. rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface <a rough wooden board>. harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch <a harsh fabric that chafes the skin>. uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality <an old house with uneven floors>. rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel <a rugged landscape>. scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface <a scabrous leaf>.
synonyms see in addition rude
2rough
adverb
: in a rough way
: outside and without shelter
Full Definition of ROUGH
1
: roughly 1
2
British : without usual conveniences; especially : without proper shelter <become homeless and have to sleep rough — London Times>
See rough defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ROUGH
14th century
3rough
noun
the rough golf : an area on a golf course covered with tall grass that makes it difficult to hit the ball
: something (such as a drawing) that is done quickly and is not detailed or finished
: a person who is loud and violent
Full Definition of ROUGH
1
: uneven ground covered with high grass, brush, and stones; specifically : such ground bordering a golf fairway
2
: the rugged or disagreeable side or aspect <hiking-camping admirers of nature in the rough — Eleanor Stirling>
3
a : something in a crude, unfinished, or preliminary state b : broad outline : general terms <the question … has been discussed in rough — Manchester Guardian Weekly> c : a hasty preliminary drawing or layout
4
: rowdy
See rough defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ROUGH
15th century
4rough
verb
American football + ice hockey : to hit (a player) very hard in a way that is not allowed by the rules
Full Definition of ROUGH
transitive verb
1
: roughen
2
3
: to calk or otherwise roughen (a horse's shoes) to prevent slipping
4
a : to shape, make, or dress in a rough or preliminary way b : to indicate the chief lines of <rough out the structure of a building>
— rough·er noun
— rough it
: to live under harsh or primitive conditions
See rough defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ROUGH
1763
ROUGH Defined for Kids
1rough
adjective \ˈrəf\
rough·errough·est
Definition of ROUGH for Kids
1
: uneven in surface <rough tree bark> <a rough road>
2
: having many bumps and jolts <a rough ride>
3
: not calm <rough seas>
4
: being harsh or violent <rough treatment>
5
: difficult or unpleasant to deal with <“You're in for a rough night …” — J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets>
6
: coarse or rugged in nature or look <a rough face>
7
: having a harsh sound <a rough voice>
8
: not complete or exact <a rough estimate> <a rough draft>
— rough·ly adverb
— rough·ness noun
2rough
noun
Definition of ROUGH for Kids
1
: uneven ground covered with high grass, brush, and stones
2
: something in a crude or unfinished state <It's not a finished drawing, just a rough.>
3rough
verb
roughedrough·ing
Definition of ROUGH for Kids
1
: to handle violently : beat <He was roughed up by bullies.>
2
: to make or shape coarsely or unevenly
— rough it
: to live without ordinary comforts <We spent the summer roughing it in northern Maine.>
Medical Dictionary
rough
adjective \ˈrəf\
Medical Definition of ROUGH
: having a broken, uneven, or bumpy surface; specifically : forming or being rough colonies usually made up of organisms that form chains or filaments and tend to marked decrease in capsule formation and virulence—used of dissociated strains of bacteria; compare smooth
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