Dictionary
1rough–and–tumble
noun rough–and–tum·ble \-ˈtəm-bəl\
Definition of ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE
: rough disorderly unrestrained fighting or struggling; also : infighting
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First Known Use of ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE
1792
Related to ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE
- Synonyms
- affray [chiefly British], broil, donnybrook, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee (also mêlée), rough-and-tumble, row, ruckus, ruction
2rough–and–tumble
adjective
: disorderly, loud, and rough
: very competitive and aggressive
Full Definition of ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE
1
: marked by rough-and-tumble <grew up in a rough–and–tumble atmosphere — E. J. Kahn>; also : rough-and-ready
2
: put together haphazardly : makeshift <a rough–and–tumble fence>
See rough–and–tumble defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE
1832
Related to ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE
- Synonyms
- artless, clumsy, crude, jerry-built, jerry-rigged, jury-rigged, rough, rough-and-ready, rough-and-tumble, rough-hewn, unrefined
- Antonyms
- refined
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