What does roistering mean?
Roistering means celebrating with noisy, boisterous, and conspicuously lively behavior. It suggests a crowd or group that is perhaps behaving more wildly than usual—shouting, singing, dancing, carousing, or otherwise abandoning restraint for the sake of revelry. The word has a traditional, slightly literary tone and is especially associated with British usage, although it is understood throughout the English-speaking world. Roistering is often approving or nostalgic when used for festive gatherings, but it can also imply rowdiness, excess, or disorder. It is particularly suited to describing people who are celebrating loudly and exuberantly, whether in a tavern, at a street party, after a sporting victory, or around a bonfire. In ordinary conversation, a simpler phrase such as “making merry” or “carousing” may be preferred.
verbTo behave in a boisterous, rowdy, and noisy manner, especially while celebrating or carousing.
- To behave boisterously or rowdily, especially during a celebration.
"The crowd spent the evening roistering in the streets after the victory."
"The sailors roistered ashore after weeks at sea."
"They spent the night roistering, singing and dancing around bonfires."
Roistering carries the sound and spirit of a noisy celebration, where even restraint seems to have been abandoned.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does roistering come from?
The present form is derived from the verb “roister,” which developed in the late 16th century. The verb came through French, whose “rustre” denoted a noisy or disorderly fellow, and it originally conveyed the idea of riotous or rough behavior. Its modern festive sense developed as the word came to mean making merry loudly and boisterously.
Related word forms
How roistering is actually used
This word is somewhat literary and carries a strongly festive, mildly disorderly connotation. It is more common in British English, though it is also understood in American English.