muffle

verb

muf·​fle ˈmə-fəl How to pronounce muffle (audio)
muffled; muffling ˈmə-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muffle (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to wrap up so as to conceal or protect : envelop
2
obsolete : blindfold
3
a
: to wrap or pad with something to dull the sound
muffle the oarlocks
b
: to deaden the sound of
4
: keep down, suppress
muffled her anger

Examples of muffle in a Sentence

They tried to muffle the noise. I could hear their muffled voices from the next room.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shaq started to answer and then crinkled a piece of paper over the microphone to muffle his response. MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 The boy buried his face in his hands, and the thick nest of hair shook as if in a wind, and the sobs, though muffled, grew louder. George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025 Ignore that muffled screaming in the distance, that’s just the TV overlords punching air. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025 To this end, Eckley planted hedges of Leyland cypress, which, at up to 16 feet tall, help provide privacy and muffle noise. Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for muffle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muflen

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of muffle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Muffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muffle. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

muffle

verb
muf·​fle ˈməf-əl How to pronounce muffle (audio)
muffled; muffling ˈməf-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muffle (audio)
1
: to wrap up so as to conceal or protect
2
: to deaden the sound of
muffle a cry

More from Merriam-Webster on muffle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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