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
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
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
While speaking abroad, the filmmakers tried their best not to ruffle any feathers back in Iran, and for a time, after several requests by Molayemi and Sohani, the Iranian government seemed reluctantly content to support the film’s Oscar campaign, including travel expenses for the directors.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2025
Her pastel dress featured sheer paneling, lace embroidery and ruffle details.
—Ty Gaskins, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
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Verb
Aries is also a Cardinal Fire sign, known for its audacity and desire to initiate new things, even if that means ruffling a few feathers along the way.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
While speaking abroad, the filmmakers tried their best not to ruffle any feathers back in Iran, and for a time, after several requests by Molayemi and Sohani, the Iranian government seemed reluctantly content to support the film’s Oscar campaign, including travel expenses for the directors.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
Pansies have so much personality, with all kinds of streaks and ruffles, and an incredible color range.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2025
Her pastel dress featured sheer paneling, lace embroidery and ruffle details.
—Ty Gaskins, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
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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