tussle
verb (used without object)
to struggle or fight roughly or vigorously; wrestle; scuffle.
tussling
-
present participleof tussle.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His attentiveness will be closely watched in the Maduro case, as tussling between the defense and prosecution has already threatened to draw out proceedings.
From Barron's ● Mar. 24, 2026
Detroit has spent the season griping with referees, tussling with opponents and piling up 66 technicals, by far the highest number in the league.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 4, 2026
His latest ad debuts during Animal Planet’s “Puppy Bowl,” a pregame show that features two teams of adoptable dogs tussling over toys in a model football stadium.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 7, 2026
Trump has spent decades tussling with residents and politicians over development projects that changed city skylines from New York to Chicago.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 16, 2025
Takumi couldn’t believe it either, and he walked over to me, tussling my hair with his hand, and started rapping to Alaska.
From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green
