ruffian

noun

ruf·​fi·​an ˈrə-fē-ən How to pronounce ruffian (audio)
Synonyms of ruffiannext
: a brutal person : bully
ruffian adjective
ruffianism
ˈrə-fē-ə-ˌni-zəm How to pronounce ruffian (audio)
noun
ruffianly adjective

Synonyms of ruffian

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Examples of ruffian in a Sentence

a gang of ruffians preying upon people who ventured into that section of town
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then again, the fight scene did that on its own, sounding more refined than ruffian. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2024 Friends and neighbors worried that these rumors could attract dangerous young ruffians who might harm them and steal the money. — Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024 Troy Stecher is a puck-mover with some two-way ability but is not considered a ruffian in the corners and in front of the net. — Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 9 Aug. 2024 In fact, the GTW ruffians have to give the Big Honey some props for his relative restraint in the heat of the moment. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ruffian

Word History

Etymology

Middle French rufian

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruffian was circa 1525

Rhymes for ruffian

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Browse Nearby Words

ruffed lemur
ruffian
ruffianish
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Cite this Entry

“Ruffian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffian. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ruffian

noun
ruf·​fi·​an ˈrəf-ē-ən How to pronounce ruffian (audio)
: a brutal person : bully
ruffian adjective
ruffianly adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on ruffian

Nglish: Translation of ruffian for Spanish Speakers

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