riotous

[rahy-uh-tuhs]

adjective

1. (of an act) characterized by or of the nature of rioting or a disturbance of the peace.

2. (of a person) inciting or taking part in a riot.

3. given to or marked by unrestrained revelry; loose; wanton.

   riotous living.

4. boisterous or uproarious.

   riotous laughter.

5. hilariously funny.

riotous

/ ˈraɪətəs /

adjective

1. proceeding from or of the nature of riots or rioting

2. inciting to riot

3. characterized by wanton or lascivious revelry

   riotous living

4. characterized by boisterous or unrestrained merriment

   riotous laughter

Other Word Forms

• riotously adverb
• riotousness noun
• unriotous adjective
• unriotously adverb
• unriotousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of riotous¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; riot, -ous

Example Sentences

The Guardian's Searle wrote about the drawings: "They are riotous and rhythmic, purposeful and compelling. There's no fudging. Kalu deserves to win this year's Turner Prize."

From BBC

South Korean pop band Blackpink reasserted their position as the world's biggest girl group, with a riotous two-and-a-half hour show at Wembley Stadium.

From BBC

Here are 13 guaranteed to provide riotous color.

From Los Angeles Times

One man, 29, has been charged with riotous behaviour, disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police after Monday's violence.

From BBC

A 29-year-old man has been charged with riotous behaviour, disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police.

From BBC

Related Words

• anarchic 
• disorganized 
• rowdy 
• tumultuous 
• turbulent 
• unruly