First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1ruffle
verb ruf·fle \ˈrə-fəl\
: to move or lift (something) so that it is no longer smooth
: to make (someone) irritated, annoyed, worried, etc.
ruf·fledruf·fling \-f(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of RUFFLE
transitive verb
2
: to erect (as feathers) in or like a ruff
3
a : to flip through (as pages) b : shuffle
4
: to make into a ruffle
intransitive verb
: to become ruffled <their dispositions ruffle perceptibly — Life>
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Origin of RUFFLE
Middle English ruffelen; akin to Low German ruffelen to crumple
Related to RUFFLE
2ruffle
noun
Definition of RUFFLE
2
: a state or cause of irritation
3
a : a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge b : 2ruff 2
First Known Use of RUFFLE
1534
3ruffle
noun
Definition of RUFFLE
: a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll
Origin of RUFFLE
ruff a drumbeat
First Known Use: circa 1802
RUFFLED Defined for Kids
1ruffle
verb ruf·fle \ˈrə-fəl\
ruf·fledruf·fling
Definition of RUFFLE for Kids
1
: to move or lift so as to disturb the smoothness of <The waters of Bird Lake were ruffled by the strong, mighty wind … — E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan>
2ruffle
noun
Definition of RUFFLE for Kids
: a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
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