muffle
1 Americanverb (used with object)
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to wrap with something to deaden or prevent sound.
to muffle drums.
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to deaden (sound) by wrappings or other means.
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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.
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to wrap (oneself) in a garment or other covering.
muffled in silk.
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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
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something that muffles.
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muffled sound.
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an oven or arched chamber in a furnace or kiln, used for heating substances without direct contact with the fire.
noun
verb
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(often foll by up) to wrap up (the head) in a scarf, cloak, etc, esp for warmth
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to deaden (a sound or noise), esp by wrapping
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to prevent (the expression of something) by (someone)
noun
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something that muffles
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a kiln with an inner chamber for firing porcelain, enamel, etc, at a low temperature
noun
Etymology
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
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.
My energy is quickly sapping away, and the last thing I hear is Autumn’s muffled voice from above.
From Literature
He stayed hunched against the wall and spoke in a muffled voice.
From Literature
Her muffled voice emerged through her fingers, one strained syllable at a time.
From Literature
His mother’s voice was muffled by the door and music.
From Literature
Songs like “Idk” and “Abrir Monte” simulate the experience of being submerged as a muffled, yet pounding bass line takes charge.
From Los Angeles Times
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.
