To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of ruffle
(Entry 1 of 3)
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 book
b : shuffle
4 : to make into a ruffle
: to become ruffled their dispositions ruffle perceptibly — Life
ruffle
noun (1)Definition of ruffle (Entry 2 of 3)
2 : a state or cause of irritation
3a : a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
4 : an unevenness or disturbance of surface : ripple
ruffle
noun (2)Definition of ruffle (Entry 3 of 3)
: a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share ruffle
Time Traveler for ruffle
The first known use of ruffle was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century