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ruffian

[ruhf-ee-uhn, ruhf-yuhn] / ˈrʌf i ən, ˈrʌf jən /


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.

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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

Old Town Music Hall James Cagney’s knockout performance as a deranged ruffian with a bit of an Oedipus complex ignites director Raoul Walsh’s highly influential 1949 gangster classic White Heat.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 17, 2018

“Your friend, the ruffian, is here. And you know that's against the rules.”

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland




Vocabulary lists containing ruffian


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