riot

1 of 2

noun

ri·​ot ˈrī-ət 

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

riot

2 of 2

verb

rioted; rioting; riots

intransitive verb

1

: to create or engage in a riot

2

: to indulge in revelry or wantonness

rioter noun

Synonyms

Noun

• hoot
• knee-slapper
• laugh
• scream

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

Noun

The Department of Defense is sending thousands more National Guard troops to protect federal property amid anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots in Los Angeles. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025

Trump allies have alleged that China rigged the 2020 results in Joe Biden's favor, invigorating hardcore supporters to march on the Capitol, leading to the riot on January 6, 2021. —Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

Verb

Local youths rioted in front of their house, smashing every window and skylight. —James Burling, Oc Register, 2 June 2025

After two years of Lindbergh’s government, these street racists are willing to riot—even assassinate one of the regime’s prominent critics. —David Renton may 12, Literary Hub, 12 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French riote rash action, noise, disorder

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing riot

• anti-riot
• pre-riot
• race riot
• read the riot act
• riot act
• riot grrrl
• riot gun
• run riot

Rhymes for riot

• diet
• guyot
• piet
• quiet
• disquiet
• panchayat
• unquiet

Kids 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

Legal Definition

riot

1 of 2 noun

ri·​ot

: a disturbance of the peace created by an assemblage of usually three or more people acting with a common purpose and in a violent and tumultuous manner to the terror of the public

also : the crime of rioting

riot

2 of 2 intransitive verb

: to create or engage in a riot

rioter noun