ruffle

1 of 3

verb

ruf·​fle ˈrə-fəl How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
ruffled; ruffling ˈrə-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
Synonyms of rufflenext

transitive verb

1
a
: roughen, abrade
b
: trouble, vex
is not ruffled by such barbs— Bruce Anderson
2
: to erect in or like a ruff : to cause to rise or bristle
a bird ruffling its feathers
3
a
: to flip through
ruffle the pages of a book
b
: shuffle
4
: to make into a ruffle

intransitive verb

: to become ruffled
their dispositions ruffle perceptibly— Life

ruffle

2 of 3

noun (1)

1
: commotion, brawl
2
: a state or cause of irritation
3
a
: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
b
: ruff entry 2 sense 2
4
: an unevenness or disturbance of surface : ripple
ruffly
ˈrə-f(ə-)lē How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
adjective

ruffle

3 of 3

noun (2)

: a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll

Synonyms

Verb

Noun (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of ruffle in a Sentence

Verb Her hair was ruffled by the wind. He ruffled some people with his constant complaining. Noun (1) likes lace curtains without ruffles and chintz curtains with ruffles a spouse's snoring is one ruffle that many couples must eventually come to terms with
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Chelsea and the notion of trust, ruffled Riza and Nuno’s succinct programme notes Michael Cox concentrates on tactical analysis. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025 But now Shelby's back, which ruffles the friend group, including the studious Beth Powell (Strazza), the WASP-y Ivy Watkins (Maggie Kuntz), and new student and Atlanta transplant Nell Shaw (Morgan Scott). — Nick Romano, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
While smiling for pictures before the event, Lewinsky wore a strapless, asymmetrical black gown that had ruffle detailing at the bottom. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025 An absolute work of art, this extraordinary accessory with a unique silhouette sports a curved handle and wide canopy, with delicate ruffles along the edges. — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ruffle

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English ruffelen; akin to Low German ruffelen to crumple

Noun (2)

ruff a drumbeat

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruffle was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing ruffle

Rhymes for ruffle

See All Rhymes for ruffle

Browse Nearby Words

ruffiano
ruffle
ruffle and flourish
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ruffle

1 of 3 verb
ruf·​fle ˈrəf-əl How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
ruffled; ruffling ˈrəf-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
1
a
: to disturb the smoothness of
b
: trouble entry 1 sense 1a, vex
2
: to erect (as feathers) in or like a ruff
3
: to make into a ruffle

ruffle

2 of 3 noun
1
: a state or cause of irritation
2
a
: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
b
: ruff sense 2
ruffly
ˈrəf-(ə-)lē How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
adjective

ruffle

3 of 3 noun
: a low vibrating drumbeat that is less loud than a roll

More from Merriam-Webster on ruffle

Nglish: Translation of ruffle for Spanish Speakers

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