If someone brawls, they fight in a very rough or violent way. He was suspended for a year from University after brawling with police over a speeding ticket Two gangs of youths brawled on the dance floor of the ferry. + brawling brawl·ing The brawling between the England fans and locals last night went on for several hours. a noisy quarrel or fight among a group of people, especially in a public place (Perhaps from the sound of fighting). to quarrel or fight in a noisy way, especially in a public place