1. a worker on an oil drilling rig
Usage: oil industry
2. a rough, tough, or rowdy person
Usage: informal

Examples

• The roughneck worked twelve-hour shifts on the offshore drilling platform.
• After years as a roughneck, he became a drilling supervisor.
• The oil company hired experienced roughnecks for the new project.
• The bar was full of roughnecks causing trouble.
• Despite his roughneck appearance, he was actually quite gentle.
• The roughnecks gathered at the local diner after their shift.