muss

1 of 2

noun

ˈməs 

1

obsolete

a

: a game in which players scramble for small objects thrown to the ground

b

: scramble

2

slang : a confused conflict : row

3

: a state of disorder : mess

muss

2 of 2

verb

mussed; mussing; musses

transitive verb

: to make untidy : disarrange

Synonyms of muss

Noun

• mess
• hell
• havoc
• jumble
• chaos
• confusion
• tangle

Verb

• disrupt
• disturb
• shuffle
• confuse

Examples of muss in a Sentence

Noun

careful planning had eliminated most of the muss that usually accompanies a move to a new house

Verb

His suit was mussed when he got out of the car.

the wind mussed up my hair

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Nineteen even-strength saves, five power-play saves, no muss, no fuss. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026

Zero fuss, zero muss and one terrific choice by the Wildcats. — Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024

Verb

Her blond hair is mussed, her face resting on her hand. — Kim Morgan, Air Mail, 30 May 2026

The 19-inch lanyard can be slipped on and off your neck without mussing your hair as well. — Izzy Baskette, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1835, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

muss

1 of 2 noun

ˈməs 

: a state of disorder : mess

mussy

-ē

adjective

muss

2 of 2 verb

: to make untidy : rumple

mussed my hair