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ruffian

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


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

Depending on how you feel about such a pretty, pretty actor playing the role of a ruffian with a heart of gold, that might be considered a compliment to his performance.

From Salon • Dec. 21, 2019

So, one wonders, what is this gentlemanly actor doing playing Billy Bigelow, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical ruffian?

From Washington Post • Nov. 10, 2016

“It's Katherine, Jane McKeene, and you know that. Never you mind about me, who was that ruffian you were speaking with?”

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland




Vocabulary lists containing ruffian