ruffle
1to destroy the smoothness or evenness of: The wind ruffled the sand.
to erect (the feathers), as a bird in anger.
to disturb, vex, or irritate: to be ruffled by a perceived slight.
to turn (the pages of a book) rapidly.
to pass (cards) through the fingers rapidly in shuffling.
to draw up (cloth, lace, etc.) into a ruffle by gathering along one edge.
to be or become vexed or irritated.
to put on airs; swagger.
a break in the smoothness or evenness of some surface; undulation.
a strip of cloth, lace, etc., drawn up by gathering along one edge and used as a trimming on a dress, blouse, etc.
some object resembling this, as the ruff of a bird.
disturbance or vexation; annoyance; irritation: It is impossible to live without some daily ruffles to our composure.
a disturbed state of mind; perturbation.
Origin of ruffle
1Other words for ruffle
Opposites for ruffle
Other words from ruffle
- ruffly, adjective
- ruffler, noun
Words Nearby ruffle
Other definitions for ruffle (2 of 2)
a low, continuous beating of a drum.
to beat (a drum) in this manner.
Origin of ruffle
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use ruffle in a sentence
Garlicky breadcrumbs and breezy mint lend their charms to campanelle strewn with springy rock shrimp, and I love how the pasta catches bits of anchovy and capers in its ruffles.
L’Ardente, an Italian stunner, combines fun and finesse | Tom Sietsema | October 29, 2021 | Washington PostDrizzled with smoked tomato honey, lamb is staged multiple ways on a shareable plate that turns shaved squash into pretty yellow ruffles and tucks some meat into tasty peppers.
The hems were slashed open horizontally—as if a ruffle was in danger of spinning right off the garment.
Balenciaga’s Nicolas Ghesquiere Shows Whispers of Brilliance in Spring 2013 Collection | Robin Givhan | September 27, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTBetter, says Mr ruffle, to discourage the practice of including a photo altogether.
Besides I have some things to put into my trunk, and I want to put a ruffle into my wrapper that I may have it all ready.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline | Jennie M. Drinkwater
Win' ruffle up he ha'r, yit he aint move; sun shine down 'pun 'im, yit he aint move.
Nights With Uncle Remus | Joel Chandler HarrisHow should I be watchful to see that nothing should ruffle your spirits?
An Old Man's Love | Anthony TrollopeClose to the stream her eye caught the tattered black ruffle and the note pinned to it.
The Devourers | Annie Vivanti ChartresBut his time did not pass away thus without some vexatious cares to ruffle it.
The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson | Robert Southey
British Dictionary definitions for ruffle (1 of 3)
/ (ˈrʌfəl) /
to make, be, or become irregular or rumpled: to ruffle a child's hair; a breeze ruffling the water
to annoy, irritate, or be annoyed or irritated
(tr) to make into a ruffle; pleat
(of a bird) to erect (its feathers) in anger, display, etc
(tr) to flick (cards, pages, etc) rapidly with the fingers
an irregular or disturbed surface
a strip of pleated material used for decoration or as a trim
zoology another name for ruff 1 (def. 2)
annoyance or irritation
Origin of ruffle
1British Dictionary definitions for ruffle (2 of 3)
/ (ˈrʌfəl) /
a low continuous drumbeat
(tr) to beat (a drum) with a low repetitive beat
Origin of ruffle
2British Dictionary definitions for ruffle (3 of 3)
/ (ˈrʌfəl) /
(intr) archaic to behave riotously or arrogantly; swagger
Origin of ruffle
3Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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