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.
On Monday, however, the prostitution charge was changed to misdemeanor disorderly conduct. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 The fourth-degree disorderly conduct charge was originally listed as engaging in prostitution before it was changed. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 He was previously charged with one count of engaging in prostitution, which was amended to the disorderly conduct charge as part of a plea deal. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026 According to the court documents, York pleaded no contest to the charges of disorderly conduct and possession of criminal tools after being detained in East Palestine. — David Close, CNN Money, 24 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 1 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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