Definition

A person who does temporary or unskilled work, often in places like oil fields, circuses, or docks.

Example

The roustabout worked hard to set up the circus tents before the show started.

Conversation

Did you hear that they're hiring roustabouts for the festival this year?

Really? That sounds like an interesting job.

Yeah, I think it involves setting up tents and helping with the animals.

That could be fun! I might apply just for the experience.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Roustabout is derived from the combination of "roust" (from the dialectal English 'roust', meaning to stir up or rouse) and "about" (meaning in various directions or around). The term originally referred to a laborer or worker who would move about, often in a rough or unskilled manner, typically in the context of a circus or oil field.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'stirring up' ('roust') things 'around' ('about') — a roustabout is a worker who moves about and helps in various tasks.

Visually Confused Words