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

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

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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.

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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.

Read more on 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.

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

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Related Words

• boisterous 
• energetic 
• raucous 
• rowdy 
• unruly