scuffle
Americanverb (used without object)
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to struggle or fight in a rough, confused manner.
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to go or move in hurried confusion.
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to move or go with a shuffle; scuff.
verb
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to fight in a disorderly manner
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to move by shuffling
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to move in a hurried or confused manner
noun
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a disorderly struggle
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the sound made by scuffling or shuffling
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of scuffle
Explanation
As both a noun and a verb, scuffle involves a fight. As a noun, it is the clash itself, like a scuffle between sworn enemies. As a verb, it means to fight, like a bully who will scuffle with just about anyone. A scuffle is not an organized bout: it is a free-for-all, with fists flying in any and all directions. As a verb, it tells about the act of this kind of wild fighting, like angry kids who scuffle to try to settle their problems, but it can also mean "dragging one's feet while walking." Here, the meaning is not related to fighting, but rather the sound made by those shuffling feet.
Vocabulary lists containing scuffle
"My Favorite Chaperone," Vocabulary from the short story
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 26–31
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Dear Martin
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Scuffle after the play as Markieff Morris and OG Anunoby get into it.
From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2018
Scuffle - One man and his dog went to stand behind an interview with former Gordon Brown spin doctor Damian McBride, who was publicising his memoirs on TV.
From BBC • Dec. 24, 2013
"We don't want to be just another little place like Punkin Center or Bug Scuffle," he cried, and called the city commission into special session.
From Time Magazine Archive
Scuffle In Rochester, N. Y., one Frank Link, 46, one George Summers, 27, and friends sat playing cards.
From Time Magazine Archive
"You don't mean that old Huffle Scuffle has given it out of his own head?" said Fisher.
From The Last Chronicle of Barset by Trollope, Anthony
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
