scuff

[ skuhf ]

/ skʌf /

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See synonyms for: scuff / scuffing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to scrape (something) with one's foot or feet.

to rub or scrape (one's foot or feet) over something.

to mar by scraping or hard use, as shoes or furniture.

Chiefly Scot.

to brush against, as in passing.
to brush off; wipe off.

verb (used without object)

to walk without raising the feet from the ground; shuffle.

to scrape or rub one's foot back and forth over something.

to be or become marred or scratched by scraping or wear.

(of machine parts, as gear teeth) to creep from pressure and friction so that ridges appear transversely to the direction of wear.

noun

the act or sound of scuffing.

a flat-heeled slipper with a full-length sole and an upper part covering only the front of the foot.

a marred or scratched place on an item, as from scraping or wear.

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Origin of scuff

First recorded in 1585–95, scuff is from the Middle Low German word schūven to shove

Words nearby scuff

scuba-dive, scuba diving, scud, Scudéry, scudo, scuff, scuffed, scuffle, sculduddery, scull, scullery

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

How to use scuff in a sentence

Their dents, scuffs and scratches appear like wrinkles in a well-done portrait, delicately drawn by time, evidence of wisdom and durability rather than decline.
D.C. is a city of grand monuments and federal buildings. These photos capture the often unseen poetic details.|Kelsey Ables|July 30, 2021|Washington Post
It can stand up against most scuffs and bumps, but it’s not indestructible.
Best computer monitor stand: One trusty product to support every screen in your home office|Irena Collaku|July 13, 2021|Popular-Science
An integrated, rubberized chainstay and down-tube protection were added to reduce potential damage in these usual spots, and a clear 3M strip keeps the upper down tube safe from tailgate scuffs.
Giant’s Trance X 29 Hits the Sweet Spot|Zach White|April 23, 2021|Outside Online
If it will make it easier for you to locate your footwear, keeps it safe from scuffs and damage, and is within your budget—and you don’t hate how it looks—then that’s the best one for you!
Best shoe rack: Behold these versatile shoe storage options|PopSci Commerce Team|March 17, 2021|Popular-Science

Stretch gaiters stop the snow from sneaking in and reinforced scuff guards provide additional durability.
Best snow pants to keep you cozy (and active) all winter long|PopSci Commerce Team|February 25, 2021|Popular-Science
You need some scuff marks from the great merry-go-round we call life.
Ariana Grande, This Is How to Be a Diva|Tim Teeman|October 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Scuff it up, patinate it, so that it feels more physically, viscerally real, and a little less perfect.
'Harry Potter' for Grown-Ups|Jane Ciabattari|August 10, 2011|DAILY BEAST
There was a pause during which she continued to scuff the curbstone with her shoe, Jane likewise scuffing the fence-picket.
Seventeen|Booth Tarkington
What joy it was to us to scuff through the painted fallen leaves and send them flying like showers of jewels before us!
My Wife and I|Harriet Beecher Stowe
And you could scuff when you walked and pile up fallen leaves from the grass and roll in them.
This Crowded Earth|Robert Bloch
Rose heard her through, and then very kindly informed her that "she was a fool to care for such a rough-scuff."
The English Orphans|Mary Jane Holmes
They are like pebbles in our pathway; sometimes we never even see them, but carelessly scuff them aside as we walk.
Joyce's Investments|Fannie E. Newberry

British Dictionary definitions for scuff

scuff

/ (skʌf) /

verb

to scrape or drag (the feet) while walking

to rub or scratch (a surface) or (of a surface) to become rubbed or scratched

(tr) US to poke at (something) with the foot

noun

the act or sound of scuffing

a rubbed place caused by scuffing

a backless slipper

Word Origin for scuff

C19: probably of imitative 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

scuff

Origin of scuff

Words nearby scuff

Words related to scuff

How to use scuff in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scuff

Word Origin for scuff