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

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

Whether your go-to is a beanie, balaclava, or ear muffs, stylish street stylers around the world demonstrate how a hat not only provides warmth on bitter winter days, but adds chic as well. —Irene Kim, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2025

Verb

Return specialist Skyy Moore muffed the final kick return and that forced the 49ers to march 75 yards for their winning touchdown. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025

Moments later, Cody Hagen muffed the ensuing kickoff, and the Yellow Jackets recovered. —Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025

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