ruffianly

adjective

ruf·​fi·​an·​ly
ˈrəfēənlē
-li
Synonyms of ruffianlynext
: of or relating to a ruffian : behaving as a ruffian : coarse, rough, rowdy
always appeals to the more ruffianly elementsA. M. Young

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruffianly was in 1561

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ruffianly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffianly. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ruffianly

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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