rowdy

1 of 2

adjective

row·​dy ˈrau̇-dē How to pronounce rowdy (audio)
rowdier; rowdiest
: coarse or boisterous in behavior : rough
also : characterized by such behavior
rowdy local bars
rowdily adverb
rowdiness noun
rowdyish adjective

rowdy

2 of 2

noun

plural rowdies
: a rowdy person : tough

Examples of rowdy in a Sentence

Adjective a rowdy game of basketball a rowdy but good-natured group of teenagers Noun rowdies had overtaken the neighborhood and were threatening people on the street
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Party House uses deckbuilding mechanics to simulate hosting a rowdy gathering. PCMAG, 12 Oct. 2024 Then an activist named Worth Long challenged the election on procedural grounds; in fact, there didn’t seem to have been any problem with the procedure, but Long’s challenge helped unleash a rowdy late-night debate. Kelefa Sanneh, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
Noun
The Horned Frogs have more talent and experience than the Buffaloes but will have to battle the heightened elevation and the rowdy, Colorado home-field advantage. Dallas News, 31 Aug. 2022 Anna Kendrick, Michelle Yeoh, and Denzel Washington all got the same rowdy yet amiable energy. Vulture Editors, Vulture, 20 July 2022 See all Example Sentences for rowdy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rowdy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

perhaps irregular from row entry 5

First Known Use

Adjective

1832, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rowdy was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near rowdy

Cite this Entry

“Rowdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rowdy. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

rowdy

1 of 2 adjective
row·​dy ˈrau̇d-ē How to pronounce rowdy (audio)
rowdier; rowdiest
: rough or loud in behavior
rowdiness noun

rowdy

2 of 2 noun
plural rowdies
: a rowdy person

More from Merriam-Webster on rowdy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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