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 notesIn plain EnglishA noisy fuss or commotion — informal and slightly playful in tone.
Common pairings
kick up a rumpus
a rumpus room
cause a rumpus
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Word forms
- Plural
- rumpuses
- Third person singular
- rumpuses
- Past tense
- rumpused, rumpussed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
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.
