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

Featuring a wrap fixture alongside a breezy, ruffled skirt, this bohemian number is a dream to wear while quickly running errands, heading out on a walking tour, or even meeting a friend for a nice lunch. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2024

With a classic strapless fit and flare silhouette with a ruffled hem detail and structural floral motif on the bodice, this lavender stunner is the best choice for a daytime garden ceremony. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024

Small pink, purple, and red flowers with ruffled petals bloom from May through August. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2024

McDaniel’s arrival sparked so much chatter that MSNBC President Rashida Jones felt compelled to soothe ruffled anchors and producers, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal, noting that former RNC chief would not be appearing on the left-leaning cable outlet. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 Mar. 2024

Made with an incredibly lightweight material, flattering ruffled skirt, and lantern sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulder, this may just be the quintessential spring dress. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2024

The low-cut gown, from Lever Couture, featured a dramatic, ruffled sheer train that matched the carpet itself, as Sánchez paired it with some nude heels and plenty of diamond jewelry on both her neck and ears. —Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024

As did Maggie Gyllenhaal, including at the 2010 Oscars, and Florence Pugh, fervently posing up a storm in a ruffled Dries fuchsia gown to the 2020 BAFTAs. —Merle Ginsberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2024

The blue dresses, which also come in green and pink styles, have a baby blue top with ruffled sleeves and a white bottom skirt that features blue flowers and plant stems. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing ruffled

• ruffled the feathers of