ruckus

noun

ruck·​us

ˈrə-kəs,

 also  ˈrü-,

or

ˈru̇- 

plural ruckuses

1

: a noisy fight or disturbance : row, commotion

raise/cause/create a ruckus

heard a ruckus down the street

He went outside to see what all the ruckus was about.

The dogs … typically would set off quite a ruckus whenever they heard something in the woods …

—Larry Livermore

2

: a state or situation in which many people are angry or upset : fuss, uproar

… IHOP recently caused a social media ruckus after announcing it would change its name …

—Lauren Delgado

… the county's GOP is embroiled in a lively legal ruckus over an attempt to seize control of the party.

—Charles Burress

Synonyms

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

Examples of ruckus in a Sentence

the ruckus left one person with a sprained wrist

quit creating such a ruckus—I'm trying to sleep!

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s also the Robbie Williams chimp biopic that’s caused a ruckus online, some interesting docs, and the return of critic favorites Sing Sing and The Substance in theaters. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 18 Jan. 2025

And although Kendrick Lamar was not present, the hometown hero’s name caused some ruckus. —Shaheem Reid, Variety, 7 Jan. 2025

The ruckus appeared to occur right before the national anthem when Lions fans were on the field holding the flag for the game. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 6 Dec. 2024

Last week, Jacob Elordi was in Morocco for Marrakech’s International Film Festival, serving as a juror alongside Andrew Garfield and Luca Guadagnino, and causing a ruckus for his bold beard debut. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably blend of ruction and rumpus

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ruckus

• raise a ruckus

Kids Definition

ruckus

noun

ruck·​us ˈrək-əs 

ˈrük-,

ˈru̇k-

: row entry 4