1
a
: needless bustle or excitement
They got down to business without any fuss.
b
: a show of flattering attention
made a big fuss over his favorite niece
2
fussed; fussing; fusses
1
a
: to create or be in a state of restless activity
especially
: to shower flattering attentions
fussing over the grandchildren
b
: to pay close or undue attention to small details
fussed with her hair
fusser
noun
Synonyms
Examples of fuss in a Sentence
Noun
They got down to business without any fuss.
What is all the fuss about?
Her new novel has caused quite a fuss.
I don't want to make a fuss, but this soup is cold.
Verb
She'll fuss the whole time we're gone.
I told him not to fuss.
The baby fussed all day.
Stop fussing and get to work!
He's fussing about his new assignment.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2023
Up front the confines are comfortable, well finished, and short on ergonomic fuss—clearly designed for professional drivers.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 Aug. 2023
But at least this handful of users will finally understand what all the 5G fuss was about.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Sep. 2023
In a video shared on Instagram Tuesday, Paris, 25, said her father did not like people making a fuss about his birthday.
—Marianne Garvey, CNN, 30 Aug. 2023
The large, cozy fit runs in sizes from XXS to XXL, and is easily paired with a dress, matching denim, or really any other items in your suitcase for a versatile, stylish look without fuss.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2023
The equanimity with which Shorter’s love transcended conventional possessiveness and, later, the story of how his third wife, Carolina, came into his life are relayed without fuss, and the result is tender and vibrant.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Aug. 2023
Made from vegan leather, this case has a suede interior that will hold everything from necklaces and rings to bracelets and watches, without any fuss.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Aug. 2023
With the nearest cinema on the list still being more than two hours away, the lengthy return journey may put off those only marginally interested in seeing what all the Barbie fuss is about, and there are no figures available of how many people may have taken up the challenge.
—Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Aug. 2023
Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 26 Aug. 2023
At one end is Francesca’s kitchen, and at the other, the house of their eternally fussing neighbors, Charlie (Christopher Bloch) and nosy but reliable Marge (Rayanne Gonzales).
—Peter Marks, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2023
Read on to see where your favorites rank on the list -- and to fuss at me for not ranking them higher.
—Bob Carlton | Bcarlton@al.com, al, 13 July 2023
But as is true with so many fresh Southern fruits and vegetables, peaches rarely need a lot of fussing to reveal their true beauty.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 16 July 2023
Townley fusses splendidly as the nurturing Jane and is even better as Marian, a cynical editor for the Associated Press.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2023
Need to put a filling dinner on the table, but don't have a lot of time to fuss?
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 14 June 2023
Especially from the age of about 1½ onward, Tammurello says, some kids distrust fussing around their heads.
—Christine Ro, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2023
Tech-wise, Maxi-Cosi says the swing will increase motion using motion technology when your baby fusses.
—Jessica Hartshorn, goodhousekeeping.com, 4 Apr. 2023
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Noun
Many commenting on the city's Facebook post concerning the decision to close the park under such circumstances weren't exactly sure of the fuss.
—Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2023
Up front the confines are comfortable, well finished, and short on ergonomic fuss—clearly designed for professional drivers.
—Mike Duff, Car and Driver, 18 Aug. 2023
But at least this handful of users will finally understand what all the 5G fuss was about.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Sep. 2023
In a video shared on Instagram Tuesday, Paris, 25, said her father did not like people making a fuss about his birthday.
—Marianne Garvey, CNN, 30 Aug. 2023
The large, cozy fit runs in sizes from XXS to XXL, and is easily paired with a dress, matching denim, or really any other items in your suitcase for a versatile, stylish look without fuss.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2023
The equanimity with which Shorter’s love transcended conventional possessiveness and, later, the story of how his third wife, Carolina, came into his life are relayed without fuss, and the result is tender and vibrant.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Aug. 2023
Made from vegan leather, this case has a suede interior that will hold everything from necklaces and rings to bracelets and watches, without any fuss.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Aug. 2023
With the nearest cinema on the list still being more than two hours away, the lengthy return journey may put off those only marginally interested in seeing what all the Barbie fuss is about, and there are no figures available of how many people may have taken up the challenge.
—Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Aug. 2023
Verb
The convenience of having a place to slip your MetroCard or smaller essentials without having to fuss around in the main space?
—Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 26 Aug. 2023
At one end is Francesca’s kitchen, and at the other, the house of their eternally fussing neighbors, Charlie (Christopher Bloch) and nosy but reliable Marge (Rayanne Gonzales).
—Peter Marks, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2023
Read on to see where your favorites rank on the list -- and to fuss at me for not ranking them higher.
—Bob Carlton | Bcarlton@al.com, al, 13 July 2023
But as is true with so many fresh Southern fruits and vegetables, peaches rarely need a lot of fussing to reveal their true beauty.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 16 July 2023
Townley fusses splendidly as the nurturing Jane and is even better as Marian, a cynical editor for the Associated Press.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2023
Need to put a filling dinner on the table, but don't have a lot of time to fuss?
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 14 June 2023
Especially from the age of about 1½ onward, Tammurello says, some kids distrust fussing around their heads.
—Christine Ro, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2023
Tech-wise, Maxi-Cosi says the swing will increase motion using motion technology when your baby fusses.
—Jessica Hartshorn, goodhousekeeping.com, 4 Apr. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fuss.' 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
Noun and Verb
origin unknown
First Known Use
Noun
1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
1792, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a
Phrases Containing fuss
Dictionary Entries Near fuss
Cite this Entry
“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuss. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
fuss
1 of 2 noun1
: unnecessary activity or excitement often over something unimportant
2
3
: a great show of interest
made a fuss over the baby
fuss
2 of 2 verb
: to make a fuss
fusser
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on fuss
Nglish: Translation of fuss for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of fuss for Arabic Speakers
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