English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun

ruckus

RUH-kuhs

Ruckus (noun) means a noisy disturbance or commotion. Example: “The dogs caused a ruckus barking at the mail carrier.”

noun
1
A noisy disturbance or commotion.
"The dogs caused a ruckus barking at the mail carrier."
"There was a huge ruckus in the stands after the referee's call."

How to use ruckus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA loud, chaotic fuss or uproar.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
cause a ruckus raise a ruckus kick up a ruckus

Word forms

ruckuses plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “ruckus” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The dogs caused a _____ barking at the mail carrier.

Etymology

First recorded around 1890, probably blending "ruction" and "rumpus," both meaning a disturbance.

· First attested 1890

Class of 1890 ruckus joined the language around 1890.
See the full Class of 1890 →

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “ruckus” mean?

The word “ruckus” means a noisy disturbance or commotion. In plain terms, a loud, chaotic fuss or uproar.

How do you pronounce “ruckus”?

“Ruckus” is pronounced RUH-kuhs (/ˈɹʌkəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “ruckus” in a sentence?

Here is “ruckus” used in a sentence: “The dogs caused a ruckus barking at the mail carrier.”

What is another word for “ruckus”?

Words with a similar meaning to “ruckus” include ruction, rumpus and uproar.

What part of speech is “ruckus”?

“Ruckus” is a noun.

Where does the word “ruckus” come from?

The word “ruckus” dates back to around 1890. First recorded around 1890, probably blending "ruction" and "rumpus," both meaning a disturbance.

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial