rambunctious

[ram-buhngk-shuhs]

adjective

1. difficult to control or handle; wildly boisterous.

   a rambunctious child.

2. turbulently active and noisy.

   a social gathering that became rambunctious and out of hand.

rambunctious

/ ræmˈbʌŋkʃəs /

adjective

1. informal,  boisterous; unruly

Other Word Forms

• rambunctiousness noun
• rambunctiously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of rambunctious¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of rambunctious¹

C19: probably from Icelandic ram- (intensifying prefix) + -bunctious , from _bumptious

Example Sentences

The Scot was also put off by a rambunctious fan behind the baseline - who was initially loudly supporting him before switching to root for Bautista Agut.

From BBC

Decades before it became the Andaz West Hollywood, this high-rise hotel earned the nickname “Riot House” due to the rambunctious behavior of its famous clientele.

From Los Angeles Times

Between practices one day, a rambunctious group of players had commandeered a trailer and rode it down a hill behind Fawcett Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

As Deathracer413 celebrates its 200th skating session, the vibe is affectionate and rambunctious, jovial retiree backyard barbecue meets heavily tattooed skater meetup.

From Los Angeles Times

The nest the foursome shares is big at 6 feet across, but it’s getting crowded, and the eaglets are rambunctious.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boisterous 
• energetic 
• raucous 
• rowdy 
• unruly