ruffian

noun

ruf·​fi·​an ˈrə-fē-ən How to pronounce ruffian (audio)
: a brutal person : bully
ruffian adjective
ruffianism noun
ruffianly adjective

Examples of ruffian in a Sentence

a gang of ruffians preying upon people who ventured into that section of town
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.
Friends and neighbors worried that these rumors could attract dangerous young ruffians who might harm them and steal the money. Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024 Troy Stecher is a puck-mover with some two-way ability but is not considered a ruffian in the corners and in front of the net. Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024 Then again, the fight scene did that on its own, sounding more refined than ruffian. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2024 Despite their reputation as ruffians from the sticks, RSF troops are battle tested, disciplined, and armed to the teeth. Alex De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 27 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for ruffian 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French rufian

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruffian was circa 1525

Dictionary Entries Near ruffian

Cite this Entry

“Ruffian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffian. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ruffian

noun
ruf·​fi·​an ˈrəf-ē-ən How to pronounce ruffian (audio)
: a brutal person : bully
ruffian adjective
ruffianly adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ruffian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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