1
a
: 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
b
: public violence, tumult, or disorder
2
: a random or disorderly profusion
the woods were a riot of color
3
: one that is wildly amusing
the new comedy is a riot
4
archaic
a
: profligate behavior : debauchery
b
: unrestrained revelry
c
: noise, uproar, or disturbance made by revelers
rioted; rioting; riots
rioter
noun
Examples of riot in a Sentence
Noun
The news about the election caused a riot in the city.
A lot of property was damaged in the recent riots.
The woods are a riot of color in the autumn.
The movie was an absolute riot.
Verb
Students rioted after their team lost the football game.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Immigration expert Mark Krikorian explained that the reason behind the breakout of immigration riots and protests across the country and made suggestions about what the country can do to course-correct.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Shane Young, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
In August 1900, white civilians and white cops rioted as one, unleashing two days of indiscriminate attacks against dozens of Black Hell’s Kitchen residents using lead pipes, guns, knives, fists, and billy clubs in what remains one of the largest explosions of racist violence in city history.
—Erin Quinlan, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for riot
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Holden noted that within weeks, coverage in major outlets dropped off dramatically, comparing it unfavorably to the media's treatment of the January 6 Capitol riot.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Immigration expert Mark Krikorian explained that the reason behind the breakout of immigration riots and protests across the country and made suggestions about what the country can do to course-correct.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
If the Warriors, Bucks, or Nuggets front offices traded those generational talents against their will, each fanbase would riot.
—Shane Young, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
In August 1900, white civilians and white cops rioted as one, unleashing two days of indiscriminate attacks against dozens of Black Hell’s Kitchen residents using lead pipes, guns, knives, fists, and billy clubs in what remains one of the largest explosions of racist violence in city history.
—Erin Quinlan, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for riot
Cite this Entry
“Riot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riot. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
riot
1 of 2 noun
ri·ot
ˈrī-ət 
1
: public violence, disturbance, or disorder
2
: a varied display of color
3
: something or someone very funny
riot
2 of 2 verb
: to create or take part in a riot
rioter
noun
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