scuffle

[skuhf-uhl]

verb (used without object)

scuffled, scuffling 

1. to struggle or fight in a rough, confused manner.

2. to go or move in hurried confusion.

3. to move or go with a shuffle; scuff.

noun

1. a rough, confused struggle or fight.

   Synonyms: row, tussle, scrap

2. a shuffling.

   a scuffle of feet.

3. Also called scuffle hoe. a spadelike hoe that is pushed instead of pulled.

4. (in tap dancing) a forward and backward movement of the foot.

scuffle

¹

/ ˈskʌfəl /

verb

1. to fight in a disorderly manner

2. to move by shuffling

3. to move in a hurried or confused manner

noun

1. a disorderly struggle

2. the sound made by scuffling or shuffling

scuffle

²

/ ˈskʌfəl /

noun

1. a type of hoe operated by pushing rather than pulling

Other Word Forms

• scuffler noun
• scufflingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scuffle¹

First recorded in 1570–80; scuff, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of scuffle¹

C16: from Scandinavian; compare Swedish skuff, skuffa to push

Origin of scuffle²

C18: from Dutch schoffel _shovel

Example Sentences

“It’s hard to go back and forth,” he said of the balance between learning the fundamentals of shortstop while also trying to work through his offensive scuffles.

From Los Angeles Times

Friedman continued, “We’ve seen it time and time again with guys who have scuffled and all of a sudden found it and they roll off a heater.”

From Los Angeles Times

Every generation scuffles for something: suffrage, equality, autonomy, decent health, fair pay, even the right to keep on fighting.

From Los Angeles Times

The final stage to Madrid was abandoned with around 60km to go after protestors stormed the course and minor scuffles broke out with some riders.

From BBC

“Before the results, has to be confidence,” Roberts said, comparing the relief corps’ struggles to the second-half scuffles that the offense only recently emerged from.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brawl 
• commotion 
• disturbance 
• fracas 
• ruckus 
• strife 
• tussle 
• wrangle