ruffled; ruffling
ˈrə-f(ə-)liŋ 
; ruffles
; ruffles
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
: to become ruffled
… their dispositions ruffle perceptibly.—
Life
Life
see also:
2
: a state or cause of irritation
3
a
: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
4
: an unevenness or disturbance of surface : ripple
: a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll
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
Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization quickly followed suit, shelving the project that had been in the works for over a decade and ruffling feathers at the state level and among business leaders.
—Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2026
For the occasion, Olivia wore a baby pink off-the-shoulder minidress with dramatic ruffles and a train, while Christian traded in his football uniform for a black tux.
—Alicia Brunker, InStyle, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
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Verb
Roy interjected with the mischievous smirk typical of a younger brother trying to ruffle some feathers.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization quickly followed suit, shelving the project that had been in the works for over a decade and ruffling feathers at the state level and among business leaders.
—Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
Noun
The eyelet fabric adds texture and dimension, while the ruffle sleeves bring just enough personality to make jeans or simple trousers feel more interesting.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2026
For the occasion, Olivia wore a baby pink off-the-shoulder minidress with dramatic ruffles and a train, while Christian traded in his football uniform for a black tux.
—Alicia Brunker, InStyle, 19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ruffle
1 of 3 verb
ruf·fle
ˈrəf-əl
ruffled; ruffling
ˈrəf-(ə-)liŋ
1
a
: to disturb the smoothness of
2
: to erect (as feathers) in or like a ruff
3
: to make into a ruffle
ruffle
2 of 3 noun1
: a state or cause of irritation
2
a
: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
b
ruffle
3 of 3 noun
: a low vibrating drumbeat that is less loud than a roll
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