Illustration of muff
muffed; muffing; muffs
1
: to handle awkwardly
muffed the interview
2
: to fail to hold (a ball) when attempting a catch
1
: to act or do something stupidly or clumsily
I tried so hard and still muffed.
2
: to muff a ball compare fumble
1
: a bungling performance
2
: a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch
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
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
Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
One month after firing the coordinator responsible for the league's worst unit (per EPA), the Rams muffed a third-quarter punt that gave Seattle a short field and a subsequent 24-13 lead.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for muff
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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
Critics also complain that Dodge, known for its muscle cars, muffed its transition to hybrid power systems.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
One month after firing the coordinator responsible for the league's worst unit (per EPA), the Rams muffed a third-quarter punt that gave Seattle a short field and a subsequent 24-13 lead.
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for muff
Cite this Entry
“Muff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muff. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
muff
1 of 2 noun
: 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
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