Illustration of muff
muffed; muffing; muffs
1
: a bungling performance
2
: a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch
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
Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025
The adorable accessory is made with a velvet headband and faux fur muffs that instantly elevate your outfit while still keeping your ears warm.
—Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2025
Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
The Nuggets muffed it but recovered at the last second.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muff
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Noun
The muff is structured and maintains its shape for weather resistance.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025
The adorable accessory is made with a velvet headband and faux fur muffs that instantly elevate your outfit while still keeping your ears warm.
—Gabriella Maestri, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
The game ended when Xavier Gipson muffed a punt and the Rams recovered.
—Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024
The Nuggets muffed it but recovered at the last second.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muff
Cite this Entry
“Muff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muff. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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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