rabble

noun

rab·ble | \ ˈra-bəl

Definition of rabble

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a disorganized or confused collection of things

2a : a disorganized or disorderly crowd of people : mob

b : the lowest class of people

rabble

verb

rabbled; rabbling\ ˈra-b(ə-)liŋ

Definition of rabble (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to insult or assault by or as a mob

Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about rabble

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Did You Know?

Noun

Rabble has been with the English language since its appearance in Middle English (as "rabel") in the late 1300s. It may have come from the Middle English verb "rabel" which meant "to babble." (Despite the similarity in sound and meaning, however, "babble" and "rabble" are unrelated.) The verb "rabel" is related to Middle Dutch "rabbelen" and Low German rabbeln, meaning "to chatter." So how do we get from babbling to crowds of people? The connection may be the idea of confusion. "Rabble," in its earliest uses could not only indicate a pack of animals, swarm of insects, or a confused collection of things, but could also indicate a confused or meaningless string of words.

Examples of rabble in a Sentence

Noun

the crown prince was reminded that even the rabble of the realm deserved his attention and compassion

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Since then, Lai's role as one of Hong Kong's most prominent rabble-rousers has threatened his fortune, subjected him to death threats and made him a symbol of the city's tensions with mainland China. — Jenni Marsh, CNN, "Why pro-democracy troublemaker Jimmy Lai is the only Hong Kong multi-millionaire standing up to China," 27 Aug. 2019 With The Conservative Sensibility, George Will takes a stand amid the rabble. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, "The Conservative Sensibility Is George Will’s Definitive Declaration," 20 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rabble.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for rabble

rabble

noun

English Language Learners Definition of rabble

disapproving

: a large group of loud people who could become violent

: ordinary or common people who do not have a lot of money, power, or social status

See the full definition for rabble in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rabble

noun

rab·ble | \ ˈra-bəl

Kids Definition of rabble

1 : a crowd that is noisy and hard to control : mob

2 : a group of people looked down upon as ignorant and hard to handle

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rabble

Definition of rabble

Synonyms & Antonyms for rabble

Did You Know?

Examples of rabble in a Sentence

First Known Use of rabble

History and Etymology for rabble

English Language Learners Definition of rabble

Kids Definition of rabble

rabble

Definition of rabble

Synonyms & Antonyms for rabble

Did You Know?

Examples of rabble in a Sentence

First Known Use of rabble

History and Etymology for rabble

English Language Learners Definition of rabble

Kids Definition of rabble

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