ruffed

American  

[ruhft] / rʌft /

adjective

1. displaying or wearing a ruff.

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Other Word Forms

• unruffed adjective

Etymology

Origin of ruffed

First recorded in 1570–80; ruff ¹ + -ed ²

Example Sentences

You’ll find everything from red pandas to critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemurs.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

A poodle, coiffed to make pompoms of its torso and tail, stands on its hind legs: puffed, ruffed and bum-padded, just like the ladies being fitted for bums.

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2025

That evening, a ruffed grouse — a crow-size bird with a tiny mohawk and mottled feathers — appeared at his feet.

From New York Times • Dec. 15, 2023

"Additionally, this genomic resource will enable us to investigate important questions, such as whether specific genetic components, like adapted genes, contribute to varying population responses to West Nile virus in different ruffed grouse populations."

From Science Daily • Oct. 4, 2023

Ghost was trotting along beside Jon's horse with tail held high, his white fur ruffed up thick against the rain.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin