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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- fracases
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ broke out in the parking lot after the game.
Etymology
From French fracas, from Italian fracassare ("to shatter, smash to pieces").
Related words
Rhymes for fracas
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").
