ruffle

¹

[ ruhf-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, ruf·fled, ruf·fling.

1. to destroy the smoothness or evenness of:

   The wind ruffled the sand.

   Synonyms: rumple, wrinkle, disorder, disarrange

   Antonyms: order, arrange, smooth

2. to erect (the feathers), as a bird in anger.
3. to disturb, vex, or irritate:

   to be ruffled by a perceived slight.

   Synonyms: agitate, annoy, upset

   Antonyms: compose, soothe

4. to turn (the pages of a book) rapidly.
5. to pass (cards) through the fingers rapidly in shuffling.
6. to draw up (cloth, lace, etc.) into a ruffle by gathering along one edge.

verb (used without object)

, ruf·fled, ruf·fling.

1. to be or become ruffled; undulate; flutter:

   Flags ruffle in the wind.

2. to be or become vexed or irritated.
3. to put on airs; swagger.

noun

1. a break in the smoothness or evenness of some surface; undulation.

   Synonyms: vexation, trial, headache, aggravation

2. a strip of cloth, lace, etc., drawn up by gathering along one edge and used as a trimming on a dress, blouse, etc.

   Synonyms: ruff, frill

3. some object resembling this, as the ruff of a bird.
4. disturbance or vexation; annoyance; irritation:

   It is impossible to live without some daily ruffles to our composure.

   Antonyms: joy, delight

5. a disturbed state of mind; perturbation.

ruffle

²

[ ruhf-uhl ]

noun

1. a low, continuous beating of a drum.

verb (used with object)

, ruf·fled, ruf·fling.

1. to beat (a drum) in this manner.

ruffle

¹

/ ˈrʌfəl /

verb

1. to make, be, or become irregular or rumpled

   to ruffle a child's hair

   a breeze ruffling the water

2. to annoy, irritate, or be annoyed or irritated
3. tr to make into a ruffle; pleat
4. (of a bird) to erect (its feathers) in anger, display, etc
5. tr to flick (cards, pages, etc) rapidly with the fingers

noun

1. an irregular or disturbed surface
2. a strip of pleated material used for decoration or as a trim
3. See ruff
   zoology another name for ruff 1
4. annoyance or irritation

ruffle

²

/ ˈrʌfəl /

verb

1. archaic.
   intr to behave riotously or arrogantly; swagger

ruffle

³

/ ˈrʌfəl /

noun

1. a low continuous drumbeat

verb

1. tr to beat (a drum) with a low repetitive beat

Other Words From

• ruffly adjective
• ruffler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruffle¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English verb ruffelen, ruflen; origin uncertain; perhaps cognate with Low German ruffelen “to crumple, rumple,” Old Norse hruffa “to scratch”

Origin of ruffle²

First recorded in 1690–1700; archaic ruff in same sense (perhaps imitative) + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruffle¹

C13: of Germanic origin; compare Middle Low German ruffelen to crumple, Old Norse hrufla to scratch

Origin of ruffle²

C15: of obscure origin

Origin of ruffle³

C18: from earlier ruff , of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Garlicky breadcrumbs and breezy mint lend their charms to campanelle strewn with springy rock shrimp, and I love how the pasta catches bits of anchovy and capers in its ruffles.

From Washington Post

Drizzled with smoked tomato honey, lamb is staged multiple ways on a shareable plate that turns shaved squash into pretty yellow ruffles and tucks some meat into tasty peppers.

From Washington Post

The hems were slashed open horizontally—as if a ruffle was in danger of spinning right off the garment.

From The Daily Beast

Better, says Mr Ruffle, to discourage the practice of including a photo altogether.

From The Daily Beast

Besides I have some things to put into my trunk, and I want to put a ruffle into my wrapper that I may have it all ready.

From Project Gutenberg

Win' ruffle up he ha'r, yit he aint move; sun shine down 'pun 'im, yit he aint move.

From Project Gutenberg

How should I be watchful to see that nothing should ruffle your spirits?

From Project Gutenberg

Close to the stream her eye caught the tattered black ruffle and the note pinned to it.

From Project Gutenberg

But his time did not pass away thus without some vexatious cares to ruffle it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• annoy
• disturb
• irk
• rattle