Meaning of ruffle in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈrəfəl/

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  1. Verb

    ruffle

    Etymology

    Middle English (as a verb): of unknown origin. Current noun senses date from the mid 17th century

    Definitions

    1. stir up (water) so as to form ripples

    Derived terms

  2. 2. trouble or vex

    Examples

    • « ruffle somebody's composure »
  3. 3. to walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others

    Examples

    • « He struts around like a rooster in a hen house »

    Derived terms

  4. 4. discompose

    Examples

    • « This play is going to ruffle some people »
    • « She has a way of ruffling feathers among her colleagues »
  5. 5. twitch or flutter

    Examples

    • « the paper flicked »
  6. 6. mix so as to make a random order or arrangement

    Examples

    • « shuffle the cards »

    Derived terms

  7. 7. erect or fluff up

    Examples

    • « the bird ruffled its feathers »
  8. 8. disturb the smoothness of

    Examples

    • « ruffle the surface of the water »
  9. 9. pleat or gather into a ruffle

    Examples

    • « ruffle the curtain fabric »

    Derived terms

  10. Noun

    ruffle

    Definitions

    1. a strip of pleated material used as a decoration or a trim

    Derived terms

  11. 2. a high tight collar

    Derived terms

  12. 3. a noisy fight

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