Main Entry:

¹ri·ot

Pronunciation:

\ˈrī-ət\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

13th century

1archaic a: profligate behavior : debauchery b: unrestrained revelry c: noise, uproar, or disturbance made by revelers2 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 intent3: a random or disorderly profusion <the woods were a riot of color>4: one that is wildly amusing <the new comedy is a riot>