scuff

1 of 2

verb

scuffed; scuffing; scuffs

intransitive verb

1
a
: to walk without lifting the feet : shuffle
b
: to poke or shuffle a foot in exploration or embarrassment
2
: to become scratched, chipped, or roughened by wear
a countertop that won't scuff

transitive verb

1
2
a
: to scrape (the feet) along a surface while walking or back and forth while standing
b
: to poke at with the toe
3
: to scratch, gouge, or wear away the surface of
scuffed my shoes

scuff

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a noise of or as if of scuffing
b
: the act or an instance of scuffing
c
: a mark or injury caused by scuffing
2
: a flat-soled slipper without quarter or heel strap compare mule

Examples of scuff in a Sentence

Verb She scuffed down the hall towards her room. scuffed up her shoes by rubbing her feet under the rung of the chair Noun She slid into her scuffs and headed into the kitchen.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
What to Consider The material scuffs a bit with rough handling. Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2023 Just keep in mind that they can get scratched and become dull if dirt or debris scuffs them, so keep your floors clean. Stefanie Waldek, House Beautiful, 25 July 2023 Its motorized brush roll helps loosen and trap particles on different surfaces without scratching or scuffing. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2023 But Take Note: The outer material may scuff easily. Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 31 July 2023 Its polycarbonate shell didn't dent or scuff at all after several blows from a bat, and our tests estimate the bag could handle five to 10 years of regular use without issue. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2023 It’s scuffed up, and its glossy finish has been dulled down. Curbed, 3 Apr. 2023 These are the shoes that ensure comfort on big walking days, can afford to get scuffed up in dustier activities, and enable you to jog or hit that hotel gym in your downtime. Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2023 Read full article On the first of two Hayley Raso goals, Australia received some help, as Canada’s Vanessa Gilles succumbed to a defender’s nightmare — failing to execute an offside trap, then scuffing a clearance directly to Raso. Frank Dell'apa, BostonGlobe.com, 31 July 2023
Noun
This bag is made from 100 percent waterproof Tyvek material that is resistant to scuffs and scratches. Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2023 More white shoe cleaning tips and tricks Toothpaste: Apply non-gel white toothpaste to scuffs and stains, scrub gently, and wipe off for a quick fix. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 11 Aug. 2023 The exterior is durable and holds up well to scuffs and scratches. Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 27 July 2023 We’re focused on bigger things right now than a little on-field scuff. Scott Thompson, Fox News, 28 Aug. 2023 Stubborn stains and scuff marks can be refreshed with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2023 What to Consider The feet on this bag will likely get visible scuffs over time. Kaitlyn McInnis, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2023 Keeping the walls white makes the room feel brighter and allows the couple to easily touch up any scuffs. Catherine Hong, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2023 Although the wheels will rub against the wall, opt for paint in a bold color with a semi-gloss or satin finish that will help to conceal scratches and scuffs. Nathalie Kirby, House Beautiful, 21 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scuff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

1768, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of scuff was in 1768

Dictionary Entries Near scuff

Cite this Entry

“Scuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scuff. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

scuff

1 of 2 verb
1
: to scrape the feet in walking : shuffle
2
: to become rough or scratched through wear

scuff

2 of 2 noun
: a noise or act of scuffing

More from Merriam-Webster on scuff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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