What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
donnybrook
Example
The bar turned into a donnybrook after the football game ended. [donnybrook: noun]
Example
The political debate turned into a donnybrook with both sides shouting over each other. [donnybrook: adjective]
melee
Example
The melee broke out after the concert when fans rushed the stage. [melee: noun]
Example
The protest turned into a melee as police tried to control the crowd. [melee: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melee is more commonly used than donnybrook in everyday language, especially in British English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between donnybrook and melee?
Neither donnybrook nor melee are particularly formal words, but melee may be slightly more formal due to its French origin.
