riffraff

noun

riff·​raff ˈrif-ˌraf How to pronounce riffraff (audio)
1
a
: disreputable persons
b
: rabble
c
: one of the riffraff
2
riffraff adjective

Examples of riffraff in a Sentence

Try not to associate with that riffraff. the sight of piles and piles of riffraff at the town dump was a sobering reminder that we are indeed a society of consumers
Recent Examples on the Web Lawyers, journalists and similar riffraff congregated at lunch or after work, and Vincent worked the room, table-hopping with jokes or movie reviews or tales from his latest intriguing trip. Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 8 Sep. 2024 The bar’s owner, Frankie (a spirited Jessica Williams), has hired Dalton to purge the riffraff, the better to realize her dream of making the Road House a respectable joint worthy of destination weddings and romantic getaways. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 Bypass the riffraff and turn your ideas into something concrete. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2024 William is ready for the task and has no intention of being killed by rebels or any other riffraff in the forests of Virginia. Lincee Ray, EW.com, 8 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for riffraff 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'riffraff.' 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

Middle English ryffe raffe, from rif and raf every single one, from Anglo-French rif e raf altogether

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of riffraff was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near riffraff

Cite this Entry

“Riffraff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riffraff. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

riffraff

noun
riff·​raff ˈrif-ˌraf How to pronounce riffraff (audio)
1
: a class of people who are looked down upon : rabble
2
riffraff adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on riffraff

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!