adjective harsh or stern in manner or appearance
The actor used a gruff tone to portray the tough and rugged cowboy in the film.
A gruff growl from the dog indicated its displeasure with the stranger approaching.
The gruff old man rarely smiled and preferred to keep to himself.
The gruff call of the bull elk echoed through the forest during mating season.
The writer used a gruff tone in his novel to convey the toughness of the main character.
The psychologist noticed the client's gruff demeanor and explored potential underlying issues causing it.