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ruffle

verb
ruf·​fle | \ ˈrə-fəl How to pronounce ruffle (audio) \
ruffled; ruffling\ ˈrə-​f(ə-​)liŋ How to pronounce ruffling (audio) \

Definition of ruffle

 (Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : roughen, abrade
b : trouble, vex is not ruffled by such barbs— Bruce Anderson
2 : to erect in or like a ruff : to cause to rise or bristle a bird ruffling its feathers
3a : to flip through ruffle the pages of a book
b : shuffle
4 : to make into a ruffle

intransitive verb

: to become ruffled their dispositions ruffle perceptibly — Life

ruffle

noun (1)

Definition of ruffle (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : commotion, brawl
2 : a state or cause of irritation
3a : a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
b : ruff entry 2 sense 2
4 : an unevenness or disturbance of surface : ripple

ruffle

noun (2)

Definition of ruffle (Entry 3 of 3)

: a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll
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Other Words from ruffle

Noun (1)

ruffly \ ˈrə-​f(ə-​)lē How to pronounce ruffly (audio) \ adjective

Examples of ruffle in a Sentence

Verb

 Her hair was ruffled by the wind. He ruffled some people with his constant complaining.

First Known Use of ruffle

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1694, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ruffle

Verb

Middle English ruffelen; akin to Low German ruffelen to crumple

Noun (2)

ruff a drumbeat

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Time Traveler for ruffle

The first known use of ruffle was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for ruffle

ruffle

verb
How to pronounce ruffle (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of ruffle

: to move or lift (something) so that it is no longer smooth
: to make (someone) irritated, annoyed, worried, etc.

See the full definition for ruffle in the English Language Learners Dictionary

ruffle

verb
ruf·​fle | \ ˈrə-fəl How to pronounce ruffle (audio) \
ruffled; ruffling

Kids Definition of ruffle

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to move or lift so as to disturb the smoothness of The waters of Bird Lake were ruffled by the strong, mighty wind …— E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan
2 : trouble entry 2 sense 1, vex You're so calm. Nothing ever ruffles you.

ruffle

noun

Kids Definition of ruffle (Entry 2 of 2)

: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge

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More from Merriam-Webster on ruffle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with ruffle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ruffle

Spanish Central: Translation of ruffle

Nglish: Translation of ruffle for Spanish Speakers

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