muffle

verb

muf·​fle ˈmə-fəl How to pronounce muffle (audio)
muffled; muffling ˈmə-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muffle (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to wrap up so as to conceal or protect : envelop
2
obsolete : blindfold
3
a
: to wrap or pad with something to dull the sound
muffle the oarlocks
b
: to deaden the sound of
4
: keep down, suppress
muffled her anger

Examples of muffle in a Sentence

They tried to muffle the noise. I could hear their muffled voices from the next room.
Recent Examples on the Web Security moved a shuttle in front of the protest in an effort to muffle the disruption. Jaden Thompson, Variety, 10 Mar. 2024 His low desk was shoved into the corner furthest from the windows, as if Gussow had wanted to muffle the city’s distractions. Curbed, 26 Jan. 2024 The cartoon showed a FWS biologist with a necktie muffling his mouth—to prevent him from speaking the truth. TIME, 8 Feb. 2024 Then Mack held her mother's mouth shut to muffle the screams as Schaefer beat her to death with the metal handle of a fruit bowl. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2024 On the floor above, the noise of a Democratic Party meeting muffled the sounds of his murder. Fergus M. Bordewich, WSJ, 5 Jan. 2024 Moore continues to answer the officer while lying on the ground, his voice muffled. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023 Especially in rooms with hardwood or tile floors, an area rug provides an extra layer of soundproofing, muffling noises that would otherwise echo off hard surfaces. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Nov. 2023 Another benefit is that the band completely covers your ears to muffle background noises. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'muffle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muflen

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of muffle was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near muffle

Cite this Entry

“Muffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muffle. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

muffle

verb
muf·​fle ˈməf-əl How to pronounce muffle (audio)
muffled; muffling ˈməf-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muffle (audio)
1
: to wrap up so as to conceal or protect
2
: to deaden the sound of
muffle a cry

More from Merriam-Webster on muffle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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