Riot Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

An Encylopedia Britannica Company The Britannica Dictionary mobile search
  • Home
  • Ask the Editor
  • Word of the Day
  • Quizzes
  • Core Vocabulary
  • Browse the Dictionary
×
  • Britannica Homepage
  • Ask the Editor
  • Word of the Day
  • Quizzes
  • Core Vocabulary
  • Browse the Dictionary
The Britannica Dictionary riot 4 ENTRIES FOUND:
  • riot (noun)
  • riot (verb)
  • race riot (noun)
  • read (verb)
1 riot /ˈrajət/ noun plural riots 1 riot /ˈrajət/ noun plural riots Britannica Dictionary definition of RIOT 1 [count] : a situation in which a large group of people behave in a violent and uncontrolled way [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 [singular] : a place that is filled with something [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 3 [singular] informal : someone or something that is very funny [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

read (someone) the riot act

: to speak in an angry and critical way to (someone who has done something wrong) : to tell (someone) that bad behavior will be severely punished if it continues [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

run riot

: to behave in a violent and uncontrolled way [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examplesoften used figuratively [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 riot /ˈrajət/ verb riots; rioted; rioting 2 riot /ˈrajət/ verb riots; rioted; rioting Britannica Dictionary definition of RIOT [no object] of a group of people : to behave in a violent and uncontrolled way [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

— rioter

noun, plural rioters [count] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

— rioting

noun [noncount] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ASK THE EDITOR
What are the plural forms of check-in, passerby, and spoonful? See the answer »
QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Icon Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Icon Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY
Rehabilitate Illustration rehabilitate : to bring (someone or something) back to a normal, healthy condition after an illness, injury, etc. Learn More »
  1. About Us & Legal Info
  2. Contact Us
  3. Privacy Notice
  4. Terms of Use
  5. Pronunciation Symbols
  6. Help
© 2026 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Tag » What Does A Riot Mean