scuffle

verb

scuf·​fle ˈskə-fəl 

scuffled; scuffling ˈskə-f(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

a

: to struggle at close quarters with disorder and confusion

b

: to struggle (as by working odd jobs) to get by

2

a

: to move with a quick shuffling gait : scurry

b

: shuffle

scuffle noun

Synonyms

• barge
• clump
• flog [British]
• flounder
• galumph
• lumber
• lump
• plod
• pound
• scuff
• shamble
• shuffle
• slog
• slough
• stamp
• stomp
• stumble
• stump
• tramp
• tromp
• trudge

Examples of scuffle in a Sentence

Children scuffled on the playground.

Small creatures scuffled in the underbrush.

Recent Examples on the Web

Poverty persists in East Texas today, and folks still must scuffle to stay free. —Imani Perry, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2024

In 2022, the Padres were scuffling down the stretch not unlike the Giants last season. —Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024

In many respects, the game resembled last year’s first-round encounter against a No. 12 seed, scuffling after an overmatched College of Charleston roster of Division II transfers until Micah Parrish made a clutch 3 to end it. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024

With Bradshaw and Mitchell scuffling along against the Aggies (8-7, 0-3), offense was left to the Wildcats’ electric guards. —Ryan Black, The Courier-Journal, 13 Jan. 2024

Two young shortstops who assuredly will begin the season in the minors are scuffling at the plate, too. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024

Their work with the extra man scuffled at times earlier in the season, but Colorado is operating at a scintillating 35.0% on the power play over the past 22 games. —Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 3 Feb. 2024

The two men scuffled, and Robinette drew his pocketknife, leaving Alexander with several cuts before others intervened, according to the documents. —CBS News, 19 Feb. 2024

The Teams The vaunted Chiefs offense scuffled for much of the regular season but came alive in the playoffs by using more three-tight-end formations. —Brett Knight, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of scuff

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scuffle

• scuffle hoe

Kids Definition

scuffle

verb

scuf·​fle ˈskəf-əl 

scuffled; scuffling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to struggle roughly at close quarters

2

a

: to move with a scuff : scurry

b

: to scuff one's feet

scuffle noun