muff

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈməf 

: a warm tubular covering for the hands

Illustration of muff

muff

2 of 3

verb

muffed; muffing; muffs

transitive verb

1

: to handle awkwardly

2

: to fail to hold (a ball) when attempting a catch

intransitive verb

1

: to act or do something stupidly or clumsily

2

: to muff a ball compare fumble

muff

3 of 3

noun (2)

1

: a bungling performance

2

: a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch

Synonyms

Verb

• fumble
• blow
• boot

Examples of muff in a Sentence

Verb

He muffed his chance for a promotion.

The outfielder muffed an easy catch.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Dogs' hearing is about four times stronger than humans', so ear muffs are sometimes used to protect their ears in loud environments which can cause stress or hearing damage, according to the American Kennel Club. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

Watching the race in person requires ear muffs and a willingness to hear your brain and heart vibrate to a motor’s adrenaline. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025

Verb

After Eskridge had one fumble on a punt return early, undrafted rookie wide receiver AJ Henning muffed a third-quarter punt, which set up a short Lions field goal. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025

The Packers’ No. 1 offense managed just two first downs in two series, the No. 1 defense allowed a 79-yard touchdown drive and return man Mecole Hardman muffed a punt. —Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Dutch mof, from Middle French moufle mitten, from Medieval Latin muffula

Verb

probably from muff entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1599, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for muff

• buff
• cuff
• duff
• fluff
• gruff
• hough
• huff
• luff
• puff
• rough
• ruff
• scruff

Kids Definition

muff

1 of 2 noun

ˈməf 

: a soft thick tubelike covering with open ends in which both hands may be inserted for protection from cold

muff

2 of 2 noun

: a clumsy or bungled performance

especially : a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch

muff verb

Etymology

Noun

from Dutch mof "a cover for the hands," from early French moufle "mitten"

Noun

probably from ¹muff