scuffle

verb

scuf·​fle ˈskə-fəl How to pronounce scuffle (audio)
scuffled; scuffling ˈskə-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce scuffle (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to struggle at close quarters with disorder and confusion
b
: to struggle (as by working odd jobs) to get by
2
a
: to move with a quick shuffling gait : scurry
b
scuffle noun

Examples of scuffle in a Sentence

Children scuffled on the playground. Small creatures scuffled in the underbrush.
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.
The Rays responded with three runs in the top of the fifth against Miami’s young right-hander Max Meyer, who continues to scuffle after a stellar start to the season. Isaac Azout, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025 Polls show the Israeli public wants a deal to bring back the remaining 59 hostages still held in Gaza and there were angry scenes outside parliament with dozens of protesters scuffling with police. Maayan Lubell, USA Today, 6 May 2025 The series win over the Yankees was just their second series win of the season, as the Orioles had scuffled to begin the season. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025 The Royals’ offense is still scuffling, but the rotation has taken its performance to another level. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scuffle

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of scuff

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of scuffle was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scuffle. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

scuffle

verb
scuf·​fle ˈskəf-əl How to pronounce scuffle (audio)
scuffled; scuffling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce scuffle (audio)
1
: to struggle roughly at close quarters
2
a
: to move with a scuff : scurry
b
: to scuff one's feet
scuffle noun

More from Merriam-Webster on scuffle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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