muffle

¹

[muhf-uhl]

verb (used with object)

muffled, muffling 

1. to wrap with something to deaden or prevent sound.

   to muffle drums.

2. to deaden (sound) by wrappings or other means.

3. 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.

4. to wrap (oneself) in a garment or other covering.

   muffled in silk.

5. 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

1. something that muffles.

2. muffled sound.

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

muffle

²

[muhf-uhl]

noun

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

muffle

¹

/ ˈmʌfəl /

verb

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

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

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

noun

1. something that muffles

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

muffle

²

/ ˈmʌfəl /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of muffle¹

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

Origin of muffle²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of muffle¹

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

Origin of muffle²

C17: from French mufle, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Combined with the coloured, shimmering floor and walls, and a soundtrack of muffled voices, gongs and bird calls, it all creates a powerful if unnerving feeling of floating in another realm.

From BBC

The muffled thud of air defences intercepting drones and missiles was the soundtrack to most of the night.

From BBC

He has observed them nesting on prairies in Canada, hearing their muffled honks.

From Los Angeles Times

Entire sectors of the city’s economy cannot function without immigrant labor, Bass said, citing the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles, where raids have instilled acute fears and muffled business.

From Los Angeles Times

Given a chance to address the court, Girardi spoke in a soft, muffled voice, blaming poor accounting and insisting he had not profited personally.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dampen 
• deaden 
• envelop 
• hush 
• mute 
• muzzle 
• soft pedal 
• squelch 
• stifle 
• subdue 
• tone down