hellion

noun

hel·​lion ˈhel-yən How to pronounce hellion (audio)
Synonyms of hellionnext
: a troublesome or mischievous person

Synonyms of hellion

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Examples of hellion in a Sentence

My children can act like little hellions when they're bored. the little hellions were tearing through the house squirting their water pistols
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The sire of a hellion, then, should feel secure in his manhood. — Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 30 Mar. 2024 Hoopes is not exactly a hellion. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 Because this was opening night of the Eras concert film, and nothing could have stopped the rowdy hellions in this crowd from singing, screaming, sobbing. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2023 While a talented man, a hellion in his youth, and a shrewd negotiator, perhaps Herb’s greatest contribution was in golf. — Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 29 Sep. 2022 See All Example Sentences for hellion

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration (influenced by hell) of hallion scamp

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hellion was in 1787

Rhymes for hellion

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Browse Nearby Words

helling
hellion
hellish
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Cite this Entry

“Hellion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hellion. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hellion

noun
hel·​lion ˈhel-yən How to pronounce hellion (audio)
: a troublesome or mischievous person
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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