riffraff

noun

riff·​raff ˈrif-ˌraf How to pronounce riffraff (audio)
Synonyms of riffraff
1
a
: disreputable persons
b
: rabble
c
: one of the riffraff
2
: refuse, rubbish
riffraff adjective

Synonyms of riffraff

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Examples of riffraff in a Sentence

Try not to associate with that riffraff. the sight of piles and piles of riffraff at the town dump was a sobering reminder that we are indeed a society of consumers
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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.
Which is to say, the people in the streets weren’t riffraff running amok but activists with aims. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025 Bypass the riffraff and turn your ideas into something concrete. — Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2024 William is ready for the task and has no intention of being killed by rebels or any other riffraff in the forests of Virginia. — Lincee Ray, EW.com, 8 July 2023 Cathedrals were beautifying public icons that often served the poor; yachts are designed to hide their splendors from the prying eyes of the riffraff. — Brian Klaas, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for riffraff

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ryffe raffe, from rif and raf every single one, from Anglo-French rif e raf altogether

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of riffraff was in the 15th century

Rhymes for riffraff

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Browse Nearby Words

riffle through
riffraff
rifle
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Cite this Entry

“Riffraff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riffraff. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

riffraff

noun
riff·​raff ˈrif-ˌraf How to pronounce riffraff (audio)
1
: a class of people who are looked down upon : rabble
2
: rubbish
riffraff adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on riffraff

Nglish: Translation of riffraff for Spanish Speakers

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