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coarse

adjective
\ ˈkȯrs How to pronounce coarse (audio) \
coarser; coarsest

Definition of coarse

1 : of ordinary or inferior quality or value : common of what coarse metal ye are molded— Shakespeare
2a(1) : composed of relatively large parts or particles coarse sand
(2) : loose or rough in texture coarse cloth
b : adjusted or designed for heavy, fast, or less delicate work a coarse saw with large teeth
c : not precise or detailed with respect to adjustment or discrimination filled in the details of the rather coarse preliminary report
3 : crude or unrefined in taste, manners, or language
4 : harsh, raucous, or rough in tone
5 chiefly British : of or relating to coarse fish coarse fishing
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Other Words from coarse

coarsely adverb
coarseness noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for coarse

Synonyms

grained, grainy, granular, granulated

Antonyms

dusty, fine, floury, powdery, superfine, ultrafine

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Choose the Right Synonym for coarse

coarse, vulgar, gross, obscene, ribald mean offensive to good taste or morals. coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language. found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding. a loud vulgar belch gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness. gross eating habits obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters. obscene language not allowed on the air ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent. entertained the campers with ribald folk songs

Examples of coarse in a Sentence

He was a man of middle age with coarse, curly gray hair, a dark, pock-marked complexion and protruding, almost batrachian eyes. — Leila Hadley, Give Me the World, (1958) 1999 He had a heavy face and a shrivelled nose and thick, coarse, bunched up skin. — Paul Theroux, Granta, Summer 1994 She'd always been taught—and she'd felt it instinctively—that sun-braised cheeks, sallow skin and reddened hands were coarse and unsightly, the emblem of the foreigner and the day laborer. — T. Coraghessan Boyle, The Road To Wellville, 1993 Around the throbbing machinery was a frame of coarse wire net. — Ursula K. Le Guin, Harper's, August 1990 The dog has a thick, coarse coat. The fabric varies in texture from coarse to fine.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 In another small bowl, sprinkle ½ teaspoon coarse salt over the cucumber and toss well. — Los Angeles Times, "Gabriela Cámara’s Shrimp Aguachile With Cucumbers and Pickled Onions," 7 Aug. 2019 The President’s coarse anti-immigrant language cannot be excused. — Rob Schenck, Time, "My Words Led to Violence. Now Trump's Are Too," 6 Aug. 2019 Use a coarse salt, such as kosher, then add other flavors at will. — Kara Elder, Washington Post, "There’s a world of cured fish beyond lox. Here’s what to try and how to make it.," 2 Aug. 2019 Warning: The video contains violence, blood and coarse language. — Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, "Video: Deputy shoots baffled homeowner through window," 30 July 2019 Directed by: Lynn Shelton Starring: Marc Maron, Michaela Watkins, Jillian Bell, Jon Bass Rated: R for coarse language throughout. — Ann Hornaday, Twin Cities, "‘Sword of Trust’ is a beguiling, smart — and surprisingly deep — comedy," 25 July 2019 Megan Rapinoe apologized for using coarse language but stands by her statement about not visiting the White House after the Women's World Cup. — Pat Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "How to watch USWNT vs. France in FIFA World Cup quarterfinals," 27 June 2019 Place the pan in the sink, add about ½ inch or so of warm water, then sprinkle in a half cup of coarse salt. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How To Clean a Cast-Iron Pan," 3 June 2019 Tip: Look for a mix with perlite, lava rock, coarse sand, or all three! — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "How to Grow Your Own Aloe Plant in Time for Summer," 6 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coarse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of coarse

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for coarse

Middle English cors, perhaps from course, noun — see course entry 1

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More Definitions for coarse

coarse

adjective
How to pronounce coarse (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of coarse

: made up of large pieces : not fine
: having a rough quality
: rude or offensive

See the full definition for coarse in the English Language Learners Dictionary

coarse

adjective
\ ˈkȯrs How to pronounce coarse (audio) \
coarser; coarsest

Kids Definition of coarse

1 : having a harsh or rough quality coarse dry skin a coarse fabric
2 : made up of large particles coarse sand
3 : crude in taste, manners, or language
4 : of poor or ordinary quality

Other Words from coarse

coarsely

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