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

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

Unlike the gruff, barky impressions lots of comedians were doing at the time, Johnson’s had a flow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 3, 2025

In a new role as JV defensive coordinator, he deployed his gruff but humor-infused brand of coaching while welcoming a group of incoming ninth-graders to the program.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2025

“Oh ah!” he returned, with something like a gruff laugh.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens