riot

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity

   That party last week was a riot.

2. 2
   noun

   a public act of violence by an unruly mob

   The fans were known for their riots after losing games.

3. 3
   noun

   a joke, person, or group of people that seems extremely funny

   The comic was a riot last night.

4. 4
   noun

   a state of disorder involving group violence

   The police commissioner referred to the events as a riot.

5. 5
   verb

   take part in a riot

   disturb the public peace by engaging in a riot

6. 6
   noun

   A tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by a large group of people, often involving violence or damage to property.

   The protests began peacefully but turned into riots after several days.

7. 7
   noun

   A wide and unconstrained variety.

   In summer this flower garden is a riot of colour.

8. 8
   noun

   A humorous or entertaining event or person.

   Check this out! We have to get this! I can't believe all this stuff! This is a total riot!

Etymology

From Middle English riot (“debauched living, dissipation”), from Old French riote (“debate”), from rioter (“to quarrel”), perhaps related to riboter or from Latin rugio (“to roar”). Compare French riotte and Occitan riòta.