ruffle

1 of 3

verb

ruf·​fle ˈrə-fəl How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
ruffled; ruffling ˈrə-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce ruffle (audio)

transitive verb

1
b
: trouble, vex
is not ruffled by such barbsBruce Anderson
2
: to erect in or like a ruff : to cause to rise or bristle
a bird ruffling its feathers
3
a
: to flip through
ruffle the pages of a book
b
4
: to make into a ruffle

intransitive verb

: to become ruffled
their dispositions ruffle perceptiblyLife

ruffle

2 of 3

noun (1)

1
2
: a state or cause of irritation
3
a
: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
4
: an unevenness or disturbance of surface : ripple
ruffly adjective

ruffle

3 of 3

noun (2)

: a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll

Examples of ruffle in a Sentence

Verb Her hair was ruffled by the wind. He ruffled some people with his constant complaining. Noun (1) likes lace curtains without ruffles and chintz curtains with ruffles a spouse's snoring is one ruffle that many couples must eventually come to terms with
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The actress sat front row at one of the most coveted tickets of NYFW, donning a dramatic white dress – a v-neck, A-line frock with buttons down the center and ruffled detailing at the waistline, topped with a pastel teal feather and fur coat with taupe swirls draped around her shoulders. Anika Reed, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025 The Euphoria star, 26, rocked a sheer, ruffled pantsuit with a long, lacy train; plunging neckline; and frills that created both a peplum and drop-sleeve effect. Bailey Richards, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
The comedian is hosting this year’s ceremony, held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Handler’s dress, made from crepe, featured ruffle detailing on the side and a sculptural strapless silhouette. Renan Botelho, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025 Smocked detailing in the back and adjustable straps ensure a comfortable, custom fit, while soft ruffles and an A-line shape add feminine flair. Kaitlin Marks, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ruffle 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English ruffelen; akin to Low German ruffelen to crumple

Noun (2)

ruff a drumbeat

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (1)

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1694, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruffle was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ruffle

Cite this Entry

“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

ruffle

1 of 3 verb
ruf·​fle ˈrəf-əl How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
ruffled; ruffling ˈrəf-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce ruffle (audio)
1
a
: to disturb the smoothness of
2
: to erect (as feathers) in or like a ruff
3
: to make into a ruffle

ruffle

2 of 3 noun
1
: a state or cause of irritation
2
a
: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
ruffly adjective

ruffle

3 of 3 noun
: a low vibrating drumbeat that is less loud than a roll

More from Merriam-Webster on ruffle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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