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

One of my best friends loves the ruffled detailing of this casual mini dress, while another swears by an off-the-shoulder dress for a lightweight, yet comfy feel. —Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 10 Mar. 2026

Embracing the brand's rebellious nature, Roan sported a Marie Antoinette-esque dress with wide shoulder pads and a ruffled neckline. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026

Varieties include 'Ardens' (double lilac-purple flowers), 'Blue Chiffon' (blue with a ruffled center), 'Blue Satin' (blue with a red center), and 'Blushing Bride' (double white). —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

Romantic ruffled bedding doesn’t get better than the Serena & Lily Antibes percale bedding set with eyelet embroidery. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 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