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
2
: 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
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
There’s so much to love about this long eyelet dress, from its quarter-length bell sleeves to the tiered skirt and ruffled hemline.
—Emily Weaver, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2025
An absolute work of art, this extraordinary accessory with a unique silhouette sports a curved handle and wide canopy, with delicate ruffles along the edges.
—Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffle
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Verb
The fluttery, ruffled sleeves won’t restrict movement with too-tight fabric while still keeping you cool as temperatures rise, and a tiered skirt allows easy movement with every step.
—Noun
While smiling for pictures before the event, Lewinsky wore a strapless, asymmetrical black gown that had ruffle detailing at the bottom.
—Cite this Entry
“Ruffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffle. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Kids 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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