# rowdy

/ˈɹaʊdi/ (US) · /ɹˈaʊdi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rowdy
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

noisy, rough, and out of control. You use this to describe people who are having a lot of fun but are being too loud or aggressive.

For teachers: characterised by noisy, rough, or disorderly behaviour. Often used to describe crowds or social gatherings where participants lack self-restraint.

## Examples

- The rowdy fans cheered loudly for their team.
- The bar manager had to ask a rowdy group of customers to leave after they started shouting at other tables.
- Security personnel were deployed to manage the rowdy atmosphere outside the stadium, ensuring that the high spirits of the supporters did not escalate into physical altercations.

## Usage notes

- Typically used to describe groups of people, crowds, or social environments.

---

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.