Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

ruffian

[ruhf-ee-uhn, ruhf-yuhn] / ˈrʌf i ən, ˈrʌf jən /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The trial heard him described as a "ruffian" and a "street waif" who never stood still.

From BBC Jan. 27, 2025

The mercenary, ruffian crew Marsac recruits for assistance is clearly not to be trusted.

From Washington Post Sep. 1, 2021

Belisle’s imagined Shiffler is no ruffian, but a well-spoken, humble youth who wants only to care for his family and win the hand of Irene Freeman, a blue-eyed Catholic orphan.

From Slate Sep. 1, 2021

Depending on how you feel about such a pretty, pretty actor playing the role of a ruffian with a heart of gold, that might be considered a compliment to his performance.

From Salon Dec. 21, 2019

He had risked his world, and now it was walking away from him, hand in hand with a ruffian prince.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman




Vocabulary lists containing ruffian


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training