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; scuff, -le

Example Sentences

A brief scuffle broke out between one of Ibrahima's friends and one of the boys in the other group.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Though the two companies have been long-term rivals, the Super Bowl ad was one of the first times the scuffle was so public.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Saints lost out 28-20 in May's Cardiff showpiece, with star back row Pollock at the centre of a final-whistle scuffle.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 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

I was on the second floor landing when I heard a scuffle downstairs by the front desk.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos

Related Words

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