scuffle

American  

[skuhf-uhl] / ˈskʌf əl /

verb (used without object)

scuffled, scuffling

1. to struggle or fight in a rough, confused manner.

2. to go or move in hurried confusion.

3. to move or go with a shuffle; scuff.

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noun

1. a rough, confused struggle or fight.

   Synonyms:

   row, tussle, scrap

2. a shuffling.

   a scuffle of feet.

3. Also called scuffle hoe.  a spadelike hoe that is pushed instead of pulled.

4. (in tap dancing) a forward and backward movement of the foot.

scuffle ¹ British  

/ ˈskʌfəl /

verb

1. to fight in a disorderly manner

2. to move by shuffling

3. to move in a hurried or confused manner

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noun

1. a disorderly struggle

2. the sound made by scuffling or shuffling

scuffle ² British  

/ ˈskʌfəl /

noun

1. a type of hoe operated by pushing rather than pulling

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Other Word Forms

• scuffler noun
• scufflingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of scuffle

First recorded in 1570–80; see origin at scuff, -le

Explanation

As both a noun and a verb, scuffle involves a fight. As a noun, it is the clash itself, like a scuffle between sworn enemies. As a verb, it means to fight, like a bully who will scuffle with just about anyone. A scuffle is not an organized bout: it is a free-for-all, with fists flying in any and all directions. As a verb, it tells about the act of this kind of wild fighting, like angry kids who scuffle to try to settle their problems, but it can also mean "dragging one's feet while walking." Here, the meaning is not related to fighting, but rather the sound made by those shuffling feet.

Example Sentences

Initial reports said visitors, mostly young people, were crammed against a single entrance and a scuffle broke out between those trying to leave and enter the site.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Videos have emerged showing a scuffle between Border Patrol agents and the man in the lead up to the shooting.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

Ramsey, 31, said that Chase snatched his mouthpiece earlier in the game, which prompted a scuffle that resulted in offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was suspended for one game by the NFL on Monday for striking Kansas City wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to start a post-game scuffle on Sunday.

From Barron's • Oct. 13, 2025

The residents start drifting in forty minutes before breakfast is ready, by walker and wheelchair or just marching stiffly on their own power, and scuffle briefly over who sits where.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Related Words

• brawl
• commotion
• disturbance
• fracas
• ruckus
• strife
• tussle
• wrangle