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

muffed the interview

2

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

intransitive verb

1

: to act or do something stupidly or clumsily

I tried so hard and still muffed.

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 of muff

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

This ornament, situating them as something between a throw pillow and a hand muff, shrouds the thick-boned fore- and hindquarters that give them a characteristic rolling gait. —Andrew Norman Wilson, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026

Instead, take a cue from Europeans, who have mastered the art of minimalist winter accessorizing with genius essentials like ear muffs, wool balaclavas, and leather gloves. —Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025

Verb

The Cubs players continued to taunt Ruth at every opportunity, and a big one came their way in the bottom of the fourth inning when Jurges slashed a sinking liner into right field and the lumbering, top-heavy Babe muffed a shoestring catch. —Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

Anisimova got to within two points of the finish again, with Parry serving at 5-6, but then muffed a short, low backhand long. —James Hansen, New York Times, 30 May 2026

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