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

Nailing the intersection between timeless and trendy, the ruffled neckline and voluminous sleeves are gorgeous details that keep the shirt fun and fresh, while the loose fit is comfy for sightseeing and other activities during your travels. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025

The opening looks were variations on white dresses with ruffled trumpet hems and scooped backs. —Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Its ruffled cap sleeves and high neckline are fashionable and full-coverage, while its back V-neck and high-low hem will keep you from overheating on the dance floor. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025

For the event, Carver appeared to wear a silk white spaghetti-strap gown, which featured a ruffled element at her waist. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 8 Sep. 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