disorderly conduct

noun

: a petty offense chiefly against public order and decency that falls short of an indictable misdemeanor

Examples of disorderly conduct in a Sentence

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.
He was arrested on suspicion of two charges of disorderly conduct. — Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026 The suspect faces charges of assault by means of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct, Lopez said. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 On the day the interim suspension took effect, UCLA filed new citations from a May 2025 protest alleging obstruction, disorderly conduct and failure to follow orders, the suit said. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Jacobs was initially arrested on five criminal charges, including a felony count of strangulation and suffocation as well as battery, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct and intimidation of a victim. — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disorderly conduct

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disorderly conduct was in 1786

Rhymes for disorderly conduct

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Browse Nearby Words

disorderly
disorderly conduct
disorderly house
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Cite this Entry

“Disorderly conduct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disorderly%20conduct. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Legal Definition

disorderly conduct

noun
dis·​or·​der·​ly conduct
: conduct that is likely to lead to a disturbance of the public peace or that offends public decency
also : the petty offense of engaging in disorderly conduct compare breach of the peace

Note: The term disorderly conduct is used in statutes to identify various acts against the public peace. It has been held to include the use of obscene language in public, the blocking of public ways, and the making of threats. A statute must identify acts that constitute disorderly conduct with sufficient clarity in order to avoid being held unconstitutional because of vagueness.

More from Merriam-Webster on disorderly conduct

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about disorderly conduct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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