raucous
What does "raucous" mean?
The word "raucous" describes sounds or behavior that are loud, harsh, and disorderly. Imagine a crowded room where people are shouting over one another, laughing boisterously, or clattering dishes—the chaotic, noisy energy of that scene is the essence of "raucous." While it implies high volume, it specifically suggests a lack of restraint or refinement. You will most often hear it used to describe laughter, crowds, parties, or political debates. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the noise is disruptive or uncivilized rather than merely enthusiastic.
"raucous" in conversation
Discussing a party
Was the concert last night as wild as you expected?
Was the concert last night as wild as you expected?
It was a bit too raucous for me; I could barely hear the music over the shouting.
It was a bit too raucous for me; I could barely hear the music over the shouting.
Used here to describe an environment that is unpleasantly loud and chaotic.
Watching a debate
The town hall meeting turned quite raucous after the new tax proposal was announced.
The town hall meeting turned quite raucous after the new tax proposal was announced.
I’m not surprised—everyone is very upset about those changes.
I’m not surprised—everyone is very upset about those changes.
Shows how the word is used in news or formal contexts to describe unruly public behavior.
"raucous" in a sentence
The birds made a raucous sound in the morning.
The birds made a raucous sound in the morning.
They were ejected from the restaurant for their raucous behavior.
They were ejected from the restaurant for their raucous behavior.
The candidate struggled to be heard over the raucous jeers of the crowd.
The candidate struggled to be heard over the raucous jeers of the crowd.
