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noun

rumpus

RUHM-puhs

Rumpus (noun) means a loud, chaotic disturbance or quarrel. Example: “The kids kicked up a rumpus in the living room during the sleepover.”

noun
1
A loud, chaotic disturbance or quarrel.
"The kids kicked up a rumpus in the living room during the sleepover."
"A rumpus broke out in the crowd when the referee made the call."
verb
1
To create a noisy commotion.
"The puppies rumpused around the yard all afternoon."

How to use rumpus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA noisy fuss or commotion — informal and slightly playful in tone.

Common pairings
kick up a rumpus a rumpus room cause a rumpus

Word forms

rumpused past tense, rumpussed past tense, rumpuses plural, rumpuses singular

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The kids kicked up a _____ in the living room during the sleepover.

Etymology

Origin unknown; first recorded around 1745, possibly an invented word blending "rumbustious" with a Latin-style ending.

Origin: Latin · First attested 1745

Class of 1745 rumpus joined the language around 1745.
See the full Class of 1745 →

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “rumpus” mean?

The word “rumpus” means a loud, chaotic disturbance or quarrel. In plain terms, a noisy fuss or commotion — informal and slightly playful in tone.

How do you pronounce “rumpus”?

“Rumpus” is pronounced RUHM-puhs (/ˈɹʌm.pəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “rumpus” in a sentence?

Here is “rumpus” used in a sentence: “The kids kicked up a rumpus in the living room during the sleepover.”

What part of speech is “rumpus”?

Depending on how it is used, “rumpus” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “rumpus” come from?

The word “rumpus” dates back to around 1745 and comes from Latin. Origin unknown; first recorded around 1745, possibly an invented word blending "rumbustious" with a Latin-style ending.

How many meanings does “rumpus” have?

“Rumpus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a loud, chaotic disturbance or quarrel.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial