Illustration of muff
muffed; muffing; muffs
1
: a bungling performance
2
: a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch
Examples of muff in a Sentence
Verb
He muffed his chance for a promotion.
The outfielder muffed an easy catch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
The most important is to wear earplugs or muffs.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Chris Vannini, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
When center fielder Bryce Teodosio muffed Doyle’s single, Goodman scored the go-ahead run.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025
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Noun
Parents are strongly encouraged to pack snacks, water, and bring some ear muffs for their little ones to experience their first rave as a family in an immersive environment tailored to children.
—Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
The most important is to wear earplugs or muffs.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
Oklahoma’s special teams muffed a punt against Michigan in Week 2, then allowed a punt return touchdown to Texas in the fourth quarter.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
When center fielder Bryce Teodosio muffed Doyle’s single, Goodman scored the go-ahead run.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muff
Cite this Entry
“Muff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muff. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
muff
1 of 2 noun
: a soft thick tubelike covering with open ends in which both hands may be inserted for protection from cold
muff
2 of 2 noun
: a clumsy or bungled performance
especially
: a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch
muff
verb
Etymology
Noun
from Dutch mof "a cover for the hands," from early French moufle "mitten"
Noun
probably from 1muff
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