ruffle

play

verb ruf·fle \ˈrə-fəl\

Definition of ruffle

ruffled

;

ruffling

play \-f(ə-)liŋ\

transitive verb
1a : roughen, abradeb : 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
3a : to flip through ruffle the pages of a bookb : shuffle
4 : to make into a ruffle
intransitive verb
: to become ruffled their dispositions ruffle perceptibly — Life

See ruffle defined for English-language learners

See ruffle defined for kids

Examples of ruffle in a Sentence

Her hair was ruffled by the wind.
He ruffled some people with his constant complaining.

Origin and Etymology of ruffle

Middle English ruffelen; akin to Low German ruffelen to crumple

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First Known Use: 14th century

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ruffle

noun ruf·fle

Definition of ruffle

1 : commotion, brawl
2 : a state or cause of irritation
3a : a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edgeb : ²ruff 2
4 : an unevenness or disturbance of surface : ripple

ruffly

play \ˈrə-f(ə-)lē\ adjective

First Known Use of ruffle

1534

ruffle

noun ruf·fle

Definition of ruffle

: a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll

Origin and Etymology of ruffle

ruff a drumbeat

NEW!

First Known Use: circa 1802

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RUFFLE Defined for English Language Learners

ruffle

play

verb

Definition of ruffle for English Language Learners

: to move or lift (something) so that it is no longer smooth
: to make (someone) irritated, annoyed, worried, etc.

RUFFLE Defined for Kids

ruffle

play

verb ruf·fle \ˈrə-fəl\

Definition of ruffle for Students

ruffled

;

ruffling

1 : to move or lift so as to disturb the smoothness of The waters of Bird Lake were ruffled by the strong, mighty wind … — E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan
2 : ²trouble 1, vex You're so calm. Nothing ever ruffles you.