riot

1 of 2

noun

ri·​ot ˈrī-ət 

1

a

: a violent public disorder

specifically, law : a violent disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together that presents a danger of injury to a person or property

b

: public violence, tumult, or disorder

2

: a random or disorderly profusion

the woods were a riot of color

3

: one that is wildly amusing

The new comedy is a riot.

Your friend is a riot.

4

archaic

a

: profligate behavior : debauchery

b

: unrestrained revelry

c

: noise, uproar, or disturbance made by revelers

riot

2 of 2

verb

rioted; rioting; riots

intransitive verb

1

: to create or engage in a riot

2

: to indulge in revelry or wantonness

rioter noun

Synonyms of riot

Noun

• hoot
• scream
• laugh

Examples of riot in a Sentence

Noun

The news about the election caused a riot in the city.

A lot of property was damaged in the recent riots.

The woods are a riot of color in the autumn.

The movie was an absolute riot.

Verb

Students rioted after their team lost the football game.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As previously reported by Billboard Korea, Seoul will position 6,500 police officers, 70 riot control units and 5,400 pieces of specialized equipment on the scene on the day of the show. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2026

The next oak over from Aerial Rescue plays host to Open Ascent—good old-fashioned climbing—where a riot of cheers is erupting. —Calin Van Paris, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026

Verb

Charges could include inciting to riot, disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

Thousands more rioted outside the ground once the stadium’s doors were shut. —Matt Slater, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French riote rash action, noise, disorder

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing riot

• anti-riot
• pre-riot
• race riot
• read the riot act
• riot act
• riot grrrl
• riot gun
• run riot

Rhymes for riot

• diet
• guyot
• piet
• quiet
• disquiet
• panchayat
• unquiet

Kids Definition

riot

1 of 2 noun

ri·​ot ˈrī-ət 

1

: public violence, disturbance, or disorder

2

: a varied display of color

3

: something or someone very funny

riot

2 of 2 verb

: to create or take part in a riot

rioter noun

Legal Definition

riot

1 of 2 noun

ri·​ot

: a disturbance of the peace created by an assemblage of usually three or more people acting with a common purpose and in a violent and tumultuous manner to the terror of the public

also : the crime of rioting

riot

2 of 2 intransitive verb

: to create or engage in a riot

rioter noun