fuss

1 of 2

noun

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
a
: a state of agitation especially over a trivial matter
in a fuss and stew all afternoonMolly L. Bar-David
b
: objection, protest
She accepted the new assignment without any fuss.
c
: an often petty controversy or quarrel
the fuss they are raising … over certain words and phrasesB. J. Hendricks

fuss

2 of 2

verb

fussed; fussing; fusses

intransitive verb

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
2
a
: to become upset : worry
b
: to express annoyance or pique : complain
fusser noun

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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fuss was in 1701

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.

Kids Definition

fuss

1 of 2 noun
1
: 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

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