1. workers on an oil drilling rig, especially those who do manual labor
Usage: oil industry
2. rough, rowdy, or violent people
Usage: informal

Examples

• The roughnecks worked twelve-hour shifts on the offshore drilling platform.
• Oil company roughnecks earn good wages despite the dangerous conditions.
• The experienced roughnecks quickly assembled the drilling equipment.
• Local roughnecks caused trouble at the bar last night.
• The sheriff warned the roughnecks to stay out of his town.
• Safety training is mandatory for all new roughnecks on the rig.