Illustration of muff
muffed; muffing; muffs
1
: a bungling performance
2
: a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch
Synonyms
Examples of muff in a Sentence
Verb
He muffed his chance for a promotion.
The outfielder muffed an easy catch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
Indeed a powerful sensuousness lingers in these small drawings and sketches, notably in Wenzel Hollar’s decadent piles of muffs and stoles and Félix Vallotton’s hoard of women shoppers caressing fabrics.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 14 June 2024
Andrew Hartley, The Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2024
Then, after the Broncos muffed a Johnson punt, the Jaguars recovered the ball at the Brandeis 19.
—Joseph Myers, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for muff 
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Noun
To make the flying experience easier and more enjoyable, dogs have access to various aids such as calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, and calming jackets.
—Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024
Indeed a powerful sensuousness lingers in these small drawings and sketches, notably in Wenzel Hollar’s decadent piles of muffs and stoles and Félix Vallotton’s hoard of women shoppers caressing fabrics.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 14 June 2024
Verb
Against Wyoming last week, SJSU had a field goal blocked and muffed a punt that led to a turnover of possession.
—Andrew Hartley, The Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2024
Then, after the Broncos muffed a Johnson punt, the Jaguars recovered the ball at the Brandeis 19.
—Joseph Myers, San Antonio Express-News, 28 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for muff
Dictionary Entries Near muff
Cite this Entry
“Muff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muff. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
muff
1 of 2 noun
: a soft thick tubelike covering with open ends in which both hands may be inserted for protection from cold
muff
2 of 2 noun
: a clumsy or bungled performance
especially
: a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch
muff
verb
Etymology
Noun
from Dutch mof "a cover for the hands," from early French moufle "mitten"
Noun
probably from 1muff
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