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
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
But the ruffian flung it at his head and then darted out into the darkness.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
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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