ruffled; ruffling
ˈrə-f(ə-)liŋ 
; ruffles
; ruffles
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
: to become ruffled
… their dispositions ruffle perceptibly.—
Life
Life
see also:
2
: a state or cause of irritation
3
a
: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
4
: an unevenness or disturbance of surface : ripple
: a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll
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
Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization quickly followed suit, shelving the project that had been in the works for over a decade and ruffling feathers at the state level and among business leaders.
—Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026
The pink-and-white dress featured an intricate ruffle design across the bodice and down the skirt.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
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Verb
Roy interjected with the mischievous smirk typical of a younger brother trying to ruffle some feathers.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization quickly followed suit, shelving the project that had been in the works for over a decade and ruffling feathers at the state level and among business leaders.
—Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
Noun
With adjustable straps, a thick elastic band, empire waist, and a ruffle trim, this Grace Karin maxi will become the most versatile dress in your closet.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026
The pink-and-white dress featured an intricate ruffle design across the bodice and down the skirt.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ruffle
1 of 3 verb
ruf·fle
ˈrəf-əl
ruffled; ruffling
ˈrəf-(ə-)liŋ
1
a
: to disturb the smoothness of
2
: to erect (as feathers) in or like a ruff
3
: to make into a ruffle
ruffle
2 of 3 noun1
: a state or cause of irritation
2
a
: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
b
ruffle
3 of 3 noun
: a low vibrating drumbeat that is less loud than a roll
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