donnybrook

American  

[don-ee-brook] / ˈdɒn iˌbrʊk /

noun

(often initial capital letter)

1. an inordinately wild fight or contentious dispute; brawl; free-for-all.

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donnybrook British  

/ ˈdɒnɪˌbrʊk /

noun

1. a rowdy brawl

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Usage

What does donnybrook mean? A donnybrook is a wild brawl or a rowdy dispute. The word implies a big, riotous scene, especially one that unfolds in public. When it refers to a brawl, it usually means a chaotic free-for-all among many people in a crowded place. Donnybrook is sometimes capitalized. Example: After the game, a small argument in the parking lot between fans of the opposing teams turned into an all-out donnybrook.

Etymology

Origin of donnybrook

First recorded in 1850–55; after Donnybrook (Fair).

Example Sentences

Not even when Seattle’s Will Borgen and Rantanen tangled in a donnybrook near the Avalanche’s net.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2023

The winner of this donnybrook will have to face Philadelphia or Atlanta.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2022

Had Jalen Suggs’s storybook shot just smacked the backboard and dived right down to take a 90-90 donnybrook and tilt it, 93-90, to Gonzaga?

From Washington Post • Apr. 5, 2021

It’s shaping up to be a helluva donnybrook.

From Fox News • Apr. 30, 2020

Aides said the donnybrook in Helsinki was less evidence of a plan by Mr. Trump to create chaos than a continuation of his missteps earlier in the trip.

From New York Times • Jul. 17, 2018