Main Entry: ¹ri·ot

Pronunciation: \ˈrī-ət\

Function: noun

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

Date: 13th century

1 archaic a : profligate behavior : debauchery b : unrestrained revelry c : noise, uproar, or disturbance made by revelers
2 a : public violence, tumult, or disorder b : a violent public disorder; specifically : a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together and acting with a common intent
3 : a random or disorderly profusion <the woods were a riot of color>
4 : one that is wildly amusing <the new comedy is a riot>