I. ˈrī-ət noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French riote rash action, noise, disorder
Date: 13th century
1. archaic
a. : profligate behavior : debauchery
b. : unrestrained revelry
c. : noise, uproar, or disturbance made by revelers
2.
a. : public violence, tumult, or disorder
b. : a violent public disorder ; specifically : a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together and acting with a common intent
3. : a random or disorderly profusion
the woods were a riot of color
4. : one that is wildly amusing
the new comedy is a riot
II. intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
1. : to indulge in revelry or wantonness
2. : to create or engage in a riot
• ri·ot·er noun