troublemaker

noun

trou·​ble·​mak·​er ˈtrə-bəl-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce troublemaker (audio)
: a person who consciously or unconsciously causes trouble
troublemaking adjective or noun

Examples of troublemaker in a Sentence

He had the reputation of being a troublemaker in high school.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Running battles between troublemakers and members of the CRS, France’s notorious riot police, continued throughout the night. Tom Williams, New York Times, 2 June 2025 Honestly, these lovable troublemakers could have starred in their own version of Homeward Bound. Ew Staff, EW.com, 27 May 2025 Finally, Trump should drain the swamp of troublemakers in our own political system by issuing an executive order that requires a national security review of lobbying activity on behalf of each country. Christopher Shays, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025 In a first-person essay, influencer Erica Reitman opens up to PEOPLE about how she's learned to navigate the annual holiday after the loss of her mom 1 Comments Erica Reitman is a branding strategist, marketing troublemaker and reluctant grief content creator. Erica Reitman, People.com, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for troublemaker

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of troublemaker was circa 1914

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Troublemaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troublemaker. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

troublemaker

noun
trou·​ble·​mak·​er ˈtrəb-əl-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce troublemaker (audio)
: a person who causes problems or disagreements

More from Merriam-Webster on troublemaker

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