scuffle

verb

scuf·​fle ˈskə-fəl How to pronounce scuffle (audio)
scuffled; scuffling ˈskə-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce scuffle (audio)

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
scuffle noun

Examples of scuffle in a Sentence

Children scuffled on the playground. Small creatures scuffled in the underbrush.
Recent Examples on the Web The official appears to begin to scuffle with Amani. Sahar Akbarzai, CNN, 22 Sep. 2023 There have been instances of drugs being brought into court, law enforcement officers scuffling with defendants and potential jurors being held in contempt. Shaddi Abusaid, ajc, 1 Sep. 2023 The Tigers continued to scuffle with Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the New York Yankees in the third of four games at Comerica Park. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 31 Aug. 2023 Linebacker Patrick Queen moved with purpose and force, giving no quarter when Commanders players wanted to scuffle. Brian Wacker, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2023 The suspect then attempted to squeeze by one of the workers, and the two locked arms and began to scuffle. Andrew Mark Miller, Fox News, 4 Aug. 2023 Footage shows the two officers begin to scuffle with the man, though much of the footage is obstructed in some manner. Perry Vandell, The Arizona Republic, 14 July 2023 Tensions are also running high in the contested capital of Jerusalem, where Palestinian worshippers have scuffled with Israeli police in the most sensitive holy site, the compound home to Al-Aqsa Mosque. Josef Frederman, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2023 So, the heart of Texas’ lineup went 0 for 12 in a game and series where the offense scuffled. Shawn McFarland, Dallas News, 20 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scuffle.' 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

perhaps frequentative of scuff

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of scuffle was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near scuffle

Cite this Entry

“Scuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scuffle. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

scuffle

verb
scuf·​fle ˈskəf-əl How to pronounce scuffle (audio)
scuffled; scuffling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce scuffle (audio)
1
: to struggle roughly at close quarters
2
a
: to move with a scuff : scurry
b
: to scuff one's feet
scuffle noun

More from Merriam-Webster on scuffle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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