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
Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 7 July 2025
Many guests followed this M.O., while some decided to ruffle some feathers with outfits that were the epitome of fantasy.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 July 2025
Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
Shoppers wear this beautiful maxi dress to weddings, baby showers, cruise trips, and more and love its strapless ruffle style, elastic waist, and flowy silhouette.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
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Verb
Despite the bird occasionally flapping its wings and ruffling its feathers, Cardi kept her composure and smiled with every flash of the camera.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 7 July 2025
Many guests followed this M.O., while some decided to ruffle some feathers with outfits that were the epitome of fantasy.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 July 2025
Noun
From ruffle styles to retro varsity pairs, classic crew socks, and sheer numbers, these sock sales are ideal for pairing with your favorite loafers, sneakers, Mary-Janes, and even sandals.
—Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
Shoppers wear this beautiful maxi dress to weddings, baby showers, cruise trips, and more and love its strapless ruffle style, elastic waist, and flowy silhouette.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 July 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 21 Jul. 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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