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 result was a sleek white ruffled top, when worn with matching trousers felt both modern and refreshing while another floral skirt embodied a playful feminine energy that personified warm weather dressing. —Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 15 June 2026

For each year’s celebrations, Reyes’ namesake label designs a look that embraces symbols stemming from the island, like 2025’s statement-making, red, white and blue ruffled organza maxi skirt. —CNN Money, 15 June 2026

Featuring a peplum hem and ruffled detailing, this sleeveless button-down shirt is a perfect option for dressier occasions. —Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

The intricate ruffled linen edge on Greenrow’s Cotton Percale Linen Ruffle sheet has a romantic look, however, the frill doesn’t overtly overpower the rest of Condé Nast Traveler commerce director and contributor Madison Flager’s bedscape. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 10 June 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