race riot

noun

: a riot caused by racial dissensions or hatreds

Examples of race riot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Far-right groups promoted a false rumor that the attacker was a migrant, leading to days of race riots that saw crowds of agitators target and attack hotels housing asylum seekers. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 May 2025 Kay Harris, 72, who lived in Asbury Park, N.J., through the city's race riots in the 1960s, said federal oversight is critical, but balancing the scales may have to come from other branches of government, such as the courts. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 May 2025 The carousel was also the epicenter of a race riot in 1961 following police being called on a group of young Black boys jumping on and off it. David Allan, CNN Money, 17 May 2025 South Asian representation was spotlighted following the recent UK race riots, with the Diamond data showing little improvement. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for race riot

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of race riot was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Race riot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/race%20riot. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on race riot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!