rabble-rouser

noun

rab·​ble-rous·​er ˈra-bəl-ˌrau̇-zər How to pronounce rabble-rouser (audio)
: one that stirs up the masses of the people (as to hatred or violence) : demagogue
rabble-rousing noun or adjective

Examples of rabble-rouser in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan, who suffered through three losing speaker votes on the House floor, was too much of a rabble-rouser for Republicans with an institutionalist bent. Grace Segers, The New Republic, 25 Oct. 2023 Both committees tend to be a space for rabble-rousers, not for deal-makers. Erin B. Logan, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2023 Jordan, 59, has a reputation as a rabble-rouser unafraid to attack Democrats and challenge his own party's leadership. Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2023 The title tyke of Roald Dahl’s tale is a pint-size rabble-rouser who quickly wins friends at her new elementary school, and then captains a rebellion against the cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, a villain who’s equal parts ice, vinegar and five o’clock shadow. oregonlive, 5 Sep. 2023 The ensemble includes two couples — Theo convinces her girlfriend, Alisha (Jayme Lawson), to join the action, while Portland rabble-rousers Rowan (Kristine Froseth) and Logan (Lukas Gage) are dealing with the aftermath of a previous arrest that may threaten the entire project. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2023 But, according to Sade, who was part of his entourage for the trip, the settlers considered the Kahanists rabble-rousers and agitators. Ruth Margalit, The New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rabble-rouser.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rabble-rouser was in 1843

Dictionary Entries Near rabble-rouser

Cite this Entry

“Rabble-rouser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rabble-rouser. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rabble-rouser

noun
rab·​ble-rous·​er
ˈrab-əl-ˌrau̇-zər
: a person who stirs up the people especially to hatred or violence
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