romp
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to play or frolic in a lively or boisterous manner.
- Synonyms:
- gambol
-
to run or go rapidly and without effort, as in racing.
-
to win easily.
noun
-
a lively or boisterous frolic.
- Synonyms:
- gambol
-
a person who romps.
-
a quick or effortless pace.
The work was easy, and he went through it in a romp.
-
an effortless victory.
verb
-
to play or run about wildly, boisterously, or joyfully
-
to win a race easily
noun
-
a noisy or boisterous game or prank
-
an instance of sexual activity between two or more people that is entered into light-heartedly and without emotional commitment
naked sex romps
-
Also called: romper. archaic a playful or boisterous child, esp a girl
-
an easy victory
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of romp
1700–10; perhaps variant of ramp 1 (v.); compare obsolete ramp rough woman, literally, one who ramps
Explanation
To romp is to play or cavort. On a busy day at a playground, you can watch happy kids romp. When you romp, you don't entertain yourself quietly, but instead run around laughing or otherwise frolic with energy and enthusiasm. You can also call a wonderful, fun activity a romp: "Her party was a total romp!" The verb romp probably comes from the now-obsolete ramp, "to climb" (for a human), or "to stand on hind legs" (for an animal).
Vocabulary lists containing romp
Party Parlance for Mardi Gras
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
This Week in Words: December 30, 2017 - January 5, 2018
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Mardi Gras: Fun
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Mr. Bennett’s ardor for soccer is infectious, as he takes us on a romp through the 12 World Cups he’s lived through.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
The set piece is a daring, madcap, Wes Anderson-esque romp through San Francisco all the way to the Metro Designers factory in China, where worker conditions are grim and hazardous.
From Salon • May 22, 2026
Jake Johnson and Murray Bartlett co-star in what looks to be a fun, suspenseful romp.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026
Amid the self-deprecating humour and romp through history, the King landed some hard arguments.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026
By the time Mama had come to the door and told Searcy and Lisbeth to get down and come right in, Old Yeller had started a romp with the blue-ticked bitch.
From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson
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.
