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
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.
Adjective
Playing a French player at Roland Garros is usually one of the more unpleasant tasks in tennis, given how rowdy the crowd can get when rooting for one of their own on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 During YoungBoy’s latest performance on Thursday, the rapper paused his rowdy setlist to address a rambunctious fan in the crowd who kept throwing items onstage. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025 The View has a long history of guests receiving sustained standing ovations — and Goldberg attempting to shush rowdy audience members. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025 The Swamp is notoriously rowdy and spirited, but there’s still plenty for families to do in Gainesville, game day or not. Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rowdy

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

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Cite this Entry

“Rowdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rowdy. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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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