ruffian
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.
“Good Boy,” by Jan Komasa, has an arresting star turn by Anson Boon as a ruffian who gets chained up in a rich family’s cellar until he agrees to behave.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2025
The trial heard him described as a "ruffian" and a "street waif" who never stood still.
From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2025
In America, he's a ruffian who hunts with a bow and arrow.
From Salon ● Sep. 10, 2023
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
“Ruffian? What ruffian? I'm afraid I don't know who you're talking about.”
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
Vocabulary lists containing ruffian
"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 1–7
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Hamilton
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Treasure Island
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