riffraff

noun

riff·​raff ˈrif-ˌraf How to pronounce riffraff (audio)
1
a
: disreputable persons
b
: rabble
c
: one of the riffraff
2
riffraff adjective

Examples of riffraff in a Sentence

Try not to associate with that riffraff. the sight of piles and piles of riffraff at the town dump was a sobering reminder that we are indeed a society of consumers
Recent Examples on the Web The bar’s owner, Frankie (a spirited Jessica Williams), has hired Dalton to purge the riffraff, the better to realize her dream of making the Road House a respectable joint worthy of destination weddings and romantic getaways. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 Bypass the riffraff and turn your ideas into something concrete. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2024 William is ready for the task and has no intention of being killed by rebels or any other riffraff in the forests of Virginia. Lincee Ray, EW.com, 8 July 2023 There’s a gate topped with barbed wire to keep the riffraff out, and then long and winding stairs down to the sea. Stephen Rodrick, Variety, 13 Sep. 2023 Boba turned and scanned the alcoves again, ignoring the riffraff who stared at him, and raised his eyebrows at the sight of a familiar face. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 22 Aug. 2023 The Standard’s interior is sleek yet warm and devoid of riffraff. Bob Carlton | Bcarlton@al.com, al, 27 July 2023 Instead a complex system of semiotics did the job of weeding out the riffraff. wsj.com, 17 Apr. 2023 Block out the riffraff. Karla L. Miller, Washington Post, 12 May 2022

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ryffe raffe, from rif and raf every single one, from Anglo-French rif e raf altogether

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of riffraff was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near riffraff

Cite this Entry

“Riffraff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riffraff. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

riffraff

noun
riff·​raff ˈrif-ˌraf How to pronounce riffraff (audio)
1
: a class of people who are looked down upon : rabble
2
riffraff adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on riffraff

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