donnybrook

noun

don·​ny·​brook ˈdä-nē-ˌbru̇k 

often capitalized

1

: free-for-all, brawl

2

: a usually public quarrel or dispute

Synonyms

• affray [chiefly British]
• brawl
• broil
• fracas
• fray
• free-for-all
• melee
• mêlée
• rough-and-tumble
• row
• ruckus
• ruction

Examples of donnybrook in a Sentence

A donnybrook has erupted over the court's decision.

a dozen people were arrested after the donnybrook at the stadium

Recent Examples on the Web

Completing the quartet is Justin Withers’ Demetrius, who unleashes his comic chops during a hilarious donnybrook. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Saturday’s donnybrook at the Horseshoe may not have scared up the massive numbers that last year’s Ohio State-Michigan showdown delivered, but Fox’s broadcast of the 120th installment of The Game still ranks as the college football season’s second-biggest TV draw. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2024

Once, according to a story pitcher George Brunet told Sports Illustrated, a manager’s argument with an umpire turned into an all-out donnybrook involving players and fans and photographers and reporters, too. —Rustin Dodd, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024

But money has settled previous donnybrooks over new technologies. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Donnybrook Fair, annual Irish event known for its brawls

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for donnybrook

• kinderhook
• meadowbrook
• overlook
• overtook
• pocketbook
• storybook
• tillamook
• undertook
• betook
• casebook
• chapbook
• checkbook

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Geographical Definition

Donnybrook

geographical name

Don·​ny·​brook ˈdä-nē-ˌbru̇k 

city in the province of Leinster, eastern Ireland

Note: Donnybrook is a southeastern suburb of Dublin.