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) ; ruffles
Synonyms of ruffle

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
see also:
ruffle feathers

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 of ruffle

Relevance

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
Changing that would undoubtedly ruffle some feathers, but some offerings at the food court do come and go. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026 Adding more drama to the lingerie look, Waterhouse wore a light pink tulle boudoir-style robe with ruffling. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 24 July 2026
Noun
Many costumes were trimmed in white lace and ruffles; a few guests came in full drag topped with elaborate hats. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The flowy silhouette and delicate ruffle hem look feminine and fresh, while the color pops beautifully against beachy backdrops and golden sunsets. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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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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