# riot

/ˈɹaɪət/ (US) · /ɹˈaɪət/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/riot
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. violent public disturbance

noun · CEFR B2

a situation where a large group of people behaves in a violent way in public, often damaging buildings or fighting.

For teachers: a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by a large group of people, typically involving violence and property damage.

- The city was quiet for days after the violent riot in the town square.
- The government declared a state of emergency following a series of riots that broke out in response to the new tax laws.

### 2. a bright variety

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a large and beautiful variety of something, especially colours or flowers.

For teachers: a vivid, unconstrained, or impressive variety of something, often used to describe visual displays.

- In the spring, the garden is a riot of colour with all the different flowers.
- The artist's later works are a riot of textures and shapes, marking a departure from his earlier, more minimalist style.

### 3. someone very funny

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a person or an event that is very funny or entertaining.

For teachers: a person, thing, or situation that is remarkably humorous or entertaining.

- You should meet my cousin; he is a total riot at parties.
- The comedy show was a complete riot, leaving the audience exhausted from laughing for two hours straight.

## Examples

- The peaceful protest turned into a riot after the sun went down.
- Police were called to the stadium when a riot broke out between rival fans following the final whistle.
- Historians argue that the riot was not a random act of violence but a calculated response to years of systemic economic neglect in the urban center.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.