Brawl/brɔːl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Public Chaos A 'brawl' usually happens spontaneously and involves several people in a chaotic manner. The concert turned into a brawl when rival fans clashed. Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation 'Brawl' often suggests a lack of control and is viewed negatively. The peaceful protest escalated into an unruly brawl. Pro Tip 3/3Media Usage News reports use 'brawl' to describe large fights, suggesting disorder and newsworthiness. A brawl at the mall led to several arrests last night.