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
Synonyms
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 WebAndrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2024
Halfpenny London Maddy ruffled organza mini dress $2,300 NET-A-PORTER
Made of satin crepe and organza, this dress is for the bride who is searching for a charming mini to complement a fairytale wedding.
—Julie Tong, Vogue, 1 July 2024
Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 3 July 2024
These moments aren’t few and far between, Tia Adeola’s ruffle sets have been taking over the summer season.
—Essence, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for ruffle 
Verb
The podcast delves into Gabriel’s flamboyant personality, which ruffled against the Mexican patriarchy and often prompted media speculation over his sexuality.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2024
Halfpenny London Maddy ruffled organza mini dress $2,300 NET-A-PORTER
Made of satin crepe and organza, this dress is for the bride who is searching for a charming mini to complement a fairytale wedding.
—Julie Tong, Vogue, 1 July 2024
Noun
Its one-pieces and bikinis strike a perfect balance of being both playful and luxurious thanks to details like subtle ruffles and sleek pinstripes.
—Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 3 July 2024
These moments aren’t few and far between, Tia Adeola’s ruffle sets have been taking over the summer season.
—Essence, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for ruffle
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ruffle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ruffle
Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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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