scuffle

verb

scuf·​fle ˈskə-fəl 

scuffled; scuffling ˈskə-f(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

a

: to struggle at close quarters with disorder and confusion

b

: to struggle (as by working odd jobs) to get by

2

a

: to move with a quick shuffling gait : scurry

b

: shuffle

scuffle noun

Synonyms of scuffle

• shuffle
• stumble
• stomp

Examples of scuffle in a Sentence

Children scuffled on the playground.

Small creatures scuffled in the underbrush.

Recent Examples on the Web

The officers scuffled with the boy and wrestled him to the ground before taking him into custody, a source with knowledge of the case said. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026

Boston’s frontcourt will face a stiff challenge against the scuffling Bucks, as two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to return to the lineup after missing five-plus weeks with a calf strain, per a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2026

After starting the year with 14 wins in their first 15 games, the Trojans have scuffled to end the year. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026

Bryson Tiller had 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for Kansas, which handed the scuffling Cougars (23-5, 11-4) their third consecutive defeat — all against top-15 opponents. —ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of scuff

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scuffle

• scuffle hoe

Rhymes for scuffle

• duffel
• duffle
• muffle
• ruffle
• shuffle
• truffle
• reshuffle

Kids Definition

scuffle

verb

scuf·​fle ˈskəf-əl 

scuffled; scuffling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to struggle roughly at close quarters

2

a

: to move with a scuff : scurry

b

: to scuff one's feet

scuffle noun