rip-roaring
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of rip-roaring
1825–35, rip 1 + roaring, alteration of rip-roarious, modeled on uproarious
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With Springsteen taking the microphone, the audience was treated to an unforgettable version of The Doors’ “Light My Fire,” followed by Steve Earle’s rip-roaring take on “Roadhouse Blues.”
From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026
With his backflips, one-handed cartwheels and quadruple-jumps galore, US figure skater Ilia Malinin's rip-roaring routines have proved a star attraction at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026
Both were popular novelists of rip-roaring historical fiction, both were politically active Tories, and both had the Borderlands at the heart of their works and lives.
From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026
Where to watch: Disney+ Nominated for: Animated feature What we said: “‘Elio’ is a breezy Pixar adventure, the studio’s pivot back to making original, rip-roaring children’s yarns.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026
The boys were probably having a rip-roaring time, and being welcomed into the company of men was surely good for them, even if it did leave Penelope sitting helplessly, waiting for their return.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.