ruffled

adjective

ruf·​fled ˈrə-fəld 

1

: affected by a loss of calmness or composure

… he is reserved and gracious, though gets a bit ruffled when asked about things he considers too personal …

—Rhonda Shafner

"He never got upset, never got ruffled," Colonel William Peoples, one of his former commanders, recalls.

—Barry Werth

2

a

: adorned or trimmed with ruffles

They begin with a fiesta of old-time flamenco style in old-time heavy, ruffled costumes.

—Elizabeth Zimmer

But she had lost some of Todd's starchy look, and the tank top and shorts she was wearing suited her better than the ruffled things she'd favored as a child.

—Deborah Eisenberg

b(1)

of a plant : having flowers or leaves with wavy edges

ruffled gladiolas

(2)

of a flower, petal, or leaf : having wavy edges

ruffled rose petals

ruffled kale leaves

Moss rose (Portulaca grandifolia) loves the sun and is a tough beauty with satiny, ruffled flowers and a drought-resistant nature.

—Irene Virag

c

of a bird : having the feathers erected in or like a ruff see ruff entry 2 sense 2

a ruffled owl

Examples of ruffled in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While there’s no matching shams, their catalog lists many a pillowcase that would make a perfect companion, like this corduroy piece with a ruffled edge and needlepoint embroidery. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 26 Jan. 2026

Midday may bring ruffled feelings as we’re forced to adapt to changing circumstances. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026

Zimmermann’s maxi dress definitely looks the part, complete with a pastel palette and ruffled tiers of silk-blend crêpe de chine. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026

In photos shared from the event, Blanco wore a black tuxedo with a bow tie, and Gomez wore a white halter-style gown with a ruffled neck and sweeping skirt, both custom Ralph Lauren. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing ruffled

• ruffled the feathers of

Rhymes for ruffled

• muffled
• shuffled
• unruffled