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
Trump’s reelection was a high-water mark for the rowdy rightwing politics and culture that CPAC has long nurtured, and he was treated like a conquering hero during his speech on Saturday. Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025 The cheapest tickets are in the supporter section, where rowdy fans will be cheering, chanting and standing for the whole game. Kate Murphy, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025 If Melissa McCarthy could get recognition for her rowdy turn in Bridesmaids, why not Haddish, too? Zach Schonfeld, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025 With the game tied at two goals apiece, the second period horn sounded, and this 4 Nations championship tilt was set up for a rowdy third period – the type of hockey everyone wanted to see between these two world powerhouses in Boston. Scott Thompson, Fox News, 21 Feb. 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 3 Mar. 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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