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

The ruffled edge and the bright, playful palette is where the aesthetic of this duvet cover and pillow shams set really shines, though. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2025

This bed skirt is 100% polyester and features a classic ruffled design. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025

The lantern sleeves, ruching at the mid-section, and asymmetrical ruffled hem look effortlessly polished, but the dress can easily be enhanced with a belt, sparkly handbag, and your go-to heels. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2025

This velvet dress brings major holiday charm with its swingy silhouette, ruffled sleeves, and standout oversized bow that feels sweet and cheerful. —Taylor Jean Stephan, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

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