scuff

American  

[skuhf] / skʌf /

verb (used with object)

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

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

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

4. Chiefly Scot.

   1. to brush against, as in passing.

   2. to brush off; wipe off.

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verb (used without object)

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

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

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

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

noun

1. the act or sound of scuffing.

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

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

scuff British  

/ skʌf /

verb

1. to scrape or drag (the feet) while walking

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

3. (tr) to poke at (something) with the foot

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noun

1. the act or sound of scuffing

2. a rubbed place caused by scuffing

3. a backless slipper

Etymology

Origin of scuff

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

Example Sentences

Moments later, the executive—herself a shakedown passenger—dipped a napkin into a glass of spring water and cleaned a scuff mark off a menu.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

Now in enemy waters, they hoisted the Japanese flag, though as it looked too new to be credible, so they had to soak it in diesel and scuff it around the deck.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2024

That means you can ask your bank to waive late fees or overcharge fees, or ask for a discount on shoes that have a scuff on them.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 25, 2023

It’s an unforgivable affront, and one any sneakerhead knows all too well: Like a dent in a new car, a scuff is hard to come back from.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2023

There is a small scuff on one toe, but the laces are knotted in perfect bows.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern