1
a
: needless bustle or excitement
They got down to business without any fuss.
b
: a show of flattering attention
made a big fuss over his favorite niece
2
fussed; fussing; fusses
1
a
: to create or be in a state of restless activity
especially
: to shower flattering attentions
fussing over the grandchildren
b
: to pay close or undue attention to small details
fussed with her hair
fusser
noun
Examples of fuss in a Sentence
Noun
They got down to business without any fuss.
What is all the fuss about?
Her new novel has caused quite a fuss.
I don't want to make a fuss, but this soup is cold.
Verb
She'll fuss the whole time we're gone.
I told him not to fuss.
The baby fussed all day.
Stop fussing and get to work!
He's fussing about his new assignment.
Recent Examples on the Web
Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
More than 17,500 fans came out on a balmy 107-degree day in the desert to see what all the fuss was about.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Emily Price, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Sleep regressions refer to periods when a baby who previously slept well suddenly begins waking frequently, fussing more, or resisting bedtime.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuss
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.
Noun
So what’s all the fuss about a 51 year old when there are much older spirits about?
—Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
More than 17,500 fans came out on a balmy 107-degree day in the desert to see what all the fuss was about.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Verb
Vodka just keeps things boozy without fussing too much with the flavor.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Sleep regressions refer to periods when a baby who previously slept well suddenly begins waking frequently, fussing more, or resisting bedtime.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuss
Cite this Entry
“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuss. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fuss
1 of 2 noun1
: unnecessary activity or excitement often over something unimportant
2
3
: a great show of interest
made a fuss over the baby
fuss
2 of 2 verb
: to make a fuss
fusser
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share