muffle

[ muhf-uhl ]

/ ˈmʌf əl /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: muffle / muffled on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), muf·fled, muf·fling.

to wrap with something to deaden or prevent sound: to muffle drums.

to deaden (sound) by wrappings or other means.

to wrap or envelop in a cloak, shawl, coat, etc., especially to keep warm or protect the face and neck (often followed byup): Muffle up the children before they go out.

to wrap (oneself) in a garment or other covering: muffled in silk.

to alter temporarily the profile of (a plaster mold) in order to run a base coat of plaster that will later be covered by a finish coat having the true profile.

noun

something that muffles.

muffled sound.

an oven or arched chamber in a furnace or kiln, used for heating substances without direct contact with the fire.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of muffle

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English muffelen “to veil, cover”; probably a derivative of Old French moufle “mitten”; see also muff

Words nearby muffle

muffin, muffineer, muffin man, muffin stand, muffin top, muffle, muffle color, muffler, muffuletta, mufti, Mufulira

Other definitions for muffle (2 of 2)

muffle²

[ muhf-uhl ]

/ ˈmʌf əl /

noun

the thick, bare part of the upper lip and nose of ruminants and rodents.

Origin of muffle

First recorded in 1600–10; from Middle French mufle “muzzle, snout,” probably blend of moufle “chubby face” and museau muzzle

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use muffle in a sentence

While headbands do provide some natural muffle, the fabric won’t be enough to tune out sounds within close range.
If you’re dreaming of the best headphones for sleeping, here they are|Carsen Joenk|October 7, 2021|Popular-Science
He pulled one out and slipped it over my head, zipping the mouth closed to muffle my voice.
Whip It: Secrets of a Dominatrix|Justin Jones|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Prague Fatale is authentic because Kerr can muffle the horror of this epoch in dramatic irony but he can also shout it out loud.
Must Read Fiction: ‘Prague Fatale,’ ‘Derby Day’ and More|Malcolm Forbes, Hillary Kelly, Mythili Rao|May 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Police theorized that her killer used the blanket to muffle the sound of the gunshots.
L.A. Policewoman on Trial for Murdering Her Ex’s Wife|Christine Pelisek|March 8, 2012|DAILY BEAST

From that spot, the canvas pulsates before your eyes, like a fabric reaching out to muffle you—like a primordial soup, bubbling.
Carsten Nicolai’s Skydiving Dance|Jimmy So|September 24, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Susan Batson, a Hollywood acting coach, says that actors don't explicitly say that their goal is to muffle their words.
Mumbling Wins Oscars!|Zachary Pincus-Roth|March 3, 2010|DAILY BEAST
It is placed on the muffle-plate (see above), by which it is introduced into the furnace.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley
The cupels are then drawn to the mouth of the muffle, and allowed to cool slowly.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley
The first time it was I did see our hardy lord abbat muffle his chin, in a skin or fur brought from foreign parts.
A Legend of Reading Abbey|Charles MacFarlane
This author must not be allowed to muffle up his throat, and keep his notes for some imaginary and far-off spring.
Spare Hours|John Brown
The dried glass is finally heated to a temperature of dull redness in a muffle furnace.
On Laboratory Arts|Richard Threlfall

British Dictionary definitions for muffle (1 of 2)

muffle¹

/ (ˈmʌfəl) /

verb (tr)

(often foll by up) to wrap up (the head) in a scarf, cloak, etc, esp for warmth

to deaden (a sound or noise), esp by wrapping

to prevent (the expression of something) by (someone)

noun

something that muffles

a kiln with an inner chamber for firing porcelain, enamel, etc, at a low temperature

Word Origin for muffle

C15: probably from Old French; compare Old French moufle mitten, emmouflé wrapped up

British Dictionary definitions for muffle (2 of 2)

muffle²

/ (ˈmʌfəl) /

noun

the fleshy hairless part of the upper lip and nose in ruminants and some rodents

Word Origin for muffle

C17: from French mufle, of unknown origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

muffle

Origin of muffle

Words nearby muffle

Other definitions for muffle (2 of 2)

Origin of muffle

Words related to muffle

How to use muffle in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for muffle (1 of 2)

Word Origin for muffle

British Dictionary definitions for muffle (2 of 2)

Word Origin for muffle