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
A teensy stretch of trading weakness this year—a pause in rip-roaring gains, really—has left the valuation looking ordinary, despite a profit outlook that has no equal in history.
From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026
Firms that had banner years would lay siege to hotel ballrooms, trumpeting their good fortune with rip-roaring excesses more suited to an Indian wedding.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025
Ultimately, “The Amateur” is more of an emotional journey than a rip-roaring one, but why would we prefer the former over the latter in this context?
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2025
Travis let loose a rip-roaring belch that had us both giggling uncontrollably.
From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
![]()
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.