noun

fracas

FRA-kah

Fracas (noun) means a loud, chaotic argument, fight, or disturbance. Example: “A fracas broke out in the parking lot after the game.”

noun

A loud, chaotic argument, fight, or disturbance.

"A fracas broke out in the parking lot after the game."

"The meeting ended in a fracas over unpaid wages."

How to use fracas

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA noisy, disorderly commotion — think of a shouting match or a brawl.

When to use it

Slightly formal/journalistic — you'd read it in a news report more than hear it in casual speech.

Common pairings

a minor fracas cause a fracas a fracas erupted

Word forms

fracases plural, fracas plural

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A _____ broke out in the parking lot after the game.

Etymology

From French fracas, from Italian fracassare ("to shatter, smash to pieces").

Origin: French

Rhymes for fracas

Caracas

See all rhymes for fracas →

Frequently asked questions

What does “fracas” mean?

The word “fracas” means a loud, chaotic argument, fight, or disturbance. In plain terms, a noisy, disorderly commotion — think of a shouting match or a brawl.

How do you pronounce “fracas”?

“Fracas” is pronounced FRA-kah (/ˈfɹeɪkəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “fracas” in a sentence?

Here is “fracas” used in a sentence: “A fracas broke out in the parking lot after the game.”

What part of speech is “fracas”?

“Fracas” is a noun.

Where does the word “fracas” come from?

The word “fracas” comes from French. From French fracas, from Italian fracassare ("to shatter, smash to pieces").