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.

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

Ramasar makes for an elegant ruffian, if not an entirely stellar Bernardo.

From Washington Post • Feb. 20, 2020

‘Garn, what did I say?’ said the ruffian to his mates.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien