riots

Noun

riot (countable and uncountable, plural riots)

1. A tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by a large group of people, often involving violence or damage to property.
   • The protests began peacefully but turned into riots after several days.
2. (figuratively) A wide and unconstrained variety.
   • In summer this flower garden is a riot of colour.
3. (colloquial, uncountable) A humorous or entertaining event or person.
   • Check this out! We have to get this! I can't believe all this stuff! This is a total riot!1997, Daniel Clowes, “The First Time”, in Ghost World, Jonathan Cape, published 2000, →ISBN, page 34
4. Wanton or unrestrained behavior or emotion.
   • For when his head-ſtrong Riot hath no Curbe,c. 1596–1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Fourth, […]. Epilogue.”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […]...
5. (obsolete) Excessive and expensive feasting; wild and loose festivity; revelry.
   • the lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day1733, [Alexander Pope], An Essay on Man. […], (please specify |epistle=I to IV), London: […] J[ohn] Wilford, […], →OCLC

See all 9 meanings of riot