muffle

verb

muf·​fle ˈmə-fəl How to pronounce muffle (audio)
muffled; muffling ˈmə-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muffle (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to wrap up so as to conceal or protect : envelop
2
obsolete : blindfold
3
a
: to wrap or pad with something to dull the sound
muffle the oarlocks
b
: to deaden the sound of
4
: keep down, suppress
muffled her anger

Examples of muffle in a Sentence

They tried to muffle the noise. I could hear their muffled voices from the next room.
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 blustery winds muffled the clank of wheels and thud of hooves. Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025 And the babble of their dog voices was muffled by the distance and the folds of the canyons. Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025 The suspect cut into the lock just as a train entered the station to muffle the sound, the video shows. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025 That self-muffling was predictable and maybe even warranted, in light of the larger cause. Chris Willman, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for muffle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muflen

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of muffle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Muffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muffle. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

muffle

verb
muf·​fle ˈməf-əl How to pronounce muffle (audio)
muffled; muffling ˈməf-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muffle (audio)
1
: to wrap up so as to conceal or protect
2
: to deaden the sound of
muffle a cry

More from Merriam-Webster on muffle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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