roister

[ roi-ster ]

verb (used without object)

1. to act in a swaggering, boisterous, or uproarious manner.
2. to revel noisily or without restraint.

roister

/ ˈrɔɪstə /

verb

1. to engage in noisy merrymaking; revel
2. to brag, bluster, or swagger

Derived Forms

• ˈroisterously, adverb
• ˈroisterer, noun
• ˈroisterous, adjective

Other Words From

• roister·er noun
• roister·ous adjective
• roister·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of roister¹

First recorded in 1545–55; verb use of roister (noun), from Middle French ru(i)stre “ruffian, boor,” variant of ru(i)ste “rural” ( rustic )

Word History and Origins

Origin of roister¹

C16: from Old French rustre lout, from ruste uncouth, from Latin rusticus rural; see rustic

Example Sentences

After that roistering swagger, the poem unexpectedly closes with the conjunction of the wistful and worldly:

From Washington Post

Meanwhile, Queen Victoria’s son, the future Edward VII, devoted his energies to gambling, overeating, pursuing women and roistering with unsavory companions.

From Washington Post

Both movies lavish attention on waterfront dives, roistering sailors and back-alley hôtels de passe.

From New York Times

At last only two of that roistering, impudent band were left, the priest of the suitors and their bard.

From Literature

“The Masque of the Red Death” was Corman’s audacious attempt to make an art film for the drive-in crowd — a feast of roistering revelry with intimations of Buñuel, Fellini and Bergman.

From New York Times