ruffle

1 of 4

verb

ruf·​fle ˈrə-fəl 

ruffled; ruffling ˈrə-f(ə-)liŋ  ; ruffles

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

3

a

: 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

see also:

ruffle feathers

ruffle

2 of 4

noun (1)

1

: commotion, brawl

2

: a state or cause of irritation

3

a

: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge

b

: ruff entry 2 sense 2

4

: an unevenness or disturbance of surface : ripple

ruffly

ˈrə-f(ə-)lē 

adjective

ruffle

3 of 4

noun (2)

: a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll

ruffle feathers

4 of 4

phrase

informal

: to upset or offend someone

Her research has been ruffling feathers [=upsetting people] for years.

His critical remarks are sure to ruffle some feathers.

Synonyms of ruffle

Verb

• annoy
• irritate
• bother
• bug
• persecute

Noun (1)

• flounce
• edging
• border
• skirting
• trim
• fringe
• frill

Examples of ruffle in a Sentence

Verb

Her hair was ruffled by the wind.

He ruffled some people with his constant complaining.

Noun (1)

likes lace curtains without ruffles and chintz curtains with ruffles

a spouse's snoring is one ruffle that many couples must eventually come to terms with

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The publication of the book, days before Blazy’s spring 2027 show at the Grand Palais, predictably ruffled some feathers at Chanel. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Or maybe Pitt simply wanted to get his Jack London on, traipsing throughout gorgeous natural terrain and ruffling his co-star’s fur in between fending off feral wolves and navigating impromptu whitewater rafting trips sans the raft. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

Noun

The silhouette was slim-fitting, with a scoop neckline and flowing skirt that cascaded in ruffles to the red carpet. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

That spirit was alive across collections, where sweet bows, light pink shades, ruffles, and even embroidered kittens made their way onto bridal looks. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Phrase

Remarkably, this happened during an era in which dueling recordings ruffled feathers in Nashville. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2026

Two congressional votes that have ruffled feathers among Clark County Democrats. — Saige Miller, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English ruffelen; akin to Low German ruffelen to crumple

Noun (2)

ruff a drumbeat

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing ruffle

• ruffle feathers
• ruffle some feathers

Rhymes for ruffle

• duffel
• duffle
• muffle
• scuffle
• shuffle
• truffle
• reshuffle

Kids Definition

ruffle

1 of 3 verb

ruf·​fle ˈrəf-əl 

ruffled; ruffling ˈrəf-(ə-)liŋ 

1

a

: to disturb the smoothness of

b

: trouble entry 1 sense 1a, vex

2

: to erect (as feathers) in or like a ruff

3

: to make into a ruffle

ruffle

2 of 3 noun

1

: a state or cause of irritation

2

a

: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge

b

: ruff sense 2

ruffly

ˈrəf-(ə-)lē 

adjective

ruffle

3 of 3 noun

: a low vibrating drumbeat that is less loud than a roll