ruffled; ruffling
ˈrə-f(ə-)liŋ 
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
: shuffle
4
: to make into a ruffle
: to become ruffled
their dispositions ruffle perceptibly—
Life
Life2
: 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
: a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll
Synonyms
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
Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024
At Chloé, a gossamer, ruffled top looks decidedly modern when contrasted with leather separates (don’t miss the cape).
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024
Laura Jackson, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024
The standout looks included a nude colored tank leather dress with asymmetric ruffles and ruching and a back that resembled a swimsuit, and a white mess dress with a hem that hits just below the knee.
—Blue Carreon, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ruffle 
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Verb
Murmur of God between their slick, bent fingers ruffled the hair on the back of my neck.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024
At Chloé, a gossamer, ruffled top looks decidedly modern when contrasted with leather separates (don’t miss the cape).
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024
Noun
A number of styles on the market that reflect this carefree spirit—like the romantic tops and lace and silk dresses that play with transparency and rippling ruffles—may feel familiar, but designers presented them in new and inviting ways.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024
The standout looks included a nude colored tank leather dress with asymmetric ruffles and ruching and a back that resembled a swimsuit, and a white mess dress with a hem that hits just below the knee.
—Blue Carreon, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ruffle
Dictionary Entries Near ruffle
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ruffle
1 of 3 verb
ruf·fle
ˈrəf-əl
ruffled; ruffling
ˈrəf-(ə-)liŋ
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 noun1
: a state or cause of irritation
2
a
: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
b
ruffle
3 of 3 noun
: a low vibrating drumbeat that is less loud than a roll
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