muss

1 of 2

noun

1
obsolete
a
: a game in which players scramble for small objects thrown to the ground
b
2
slang : a confused conflict : row
3
: a state of disorder : mess

muss

2 of 2

verb

mussed; mussing; musses

transitive verb

: to make untidy : disarrange

Examples of muss in a Sentence

Noun careful planning had eliminated most of the muss that usually accompanies a move to a new house Verb His suit was mussed when he got out of the car. the wind mussed up my hair
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.
Noun
Related Articles Indulging in books and nooks No muss, no fuss houseplants? The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025 Zero fuss, zero muss and one terrific choice by the Wildcats. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024
Verb
The half-zip design can be slipped over your head without mussing up your hair and makeup, while a roomy kangaroo pouch is the ideal place to store your phone and even an in-flight snack. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2025 Also, how fun seeing McGee’s hair get mussed in the fight. Sara Netzley, EW.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for muss

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of muss was in 1591

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Muss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muss. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

muss

1 of 2 noun
: a state of disorder : mess
mussy
adjective

muss

2 of 2 verb
: to make untidy : rumple
mussed my hair

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