rumpus

American  

[ruhm-puhs] / ˈrʌm pəs /

noun

plural

rumpuses

1. a noisy or violent disturbance; commotion; uproar.

   There was a terrible rumpus going on upstairs.

2. a heated controversy.

   a rumpus over the school-bond issue.

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rumpus British  

/ ˈrʌmpəs /

noun

1. a noisy, confused, or disruptive commotion

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Etymology

Origin of rumpus

First recorded in 1755–65; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

The court heard that she told police: "Kate told me he tried to get up the night before, and she tried to stop him. Ian had said 'leave me alone or I'll cause a rumpus'."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2024

As the characters in a Coen Brothers movie might say: What’s the rumpus?

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2023

But the rumpus continued, as Monday brought another takeover and brief shutdown.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 20, 2022

On Thursday, on the opening day of the SheBelieves Cup, U.S. domination in the neighborly rumpus was put to the test before the Americans prevailed, 1-0, on substitute Rose Lavelle’s goal in the 79th minute.

From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2021

But Leslie had other problems at Lark Creek that caused more of a rumpus than lack of money.

From "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson