muss

American  

[muhs] / mʌs /

noun

1. a state of disorder or untidiness.

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verb (used with object)

1. to put into disorder; make messy; rumple (often followed byup ).

   Synonyms:

   bedraggle, tangle, disturb, mess

muss British  

/ mʌs /

verb

1. to make untidy; rumple

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noun

1. a state of disorder; muddle

Etymology

Origin of muss

1820–30; perhaps blend of mess and fuss

Example Sentences

As always, Lorenzo is more than happy to muss up the expected, to push the boundaries while still respecting the core traditions of the art form.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2025

Ich muss mich wohl sehr ungeschickt ausgedrückt haben, denn du hast tatsächlich fast jedes Wort missverstanden.

From Scientific American • Sep. 7, 2023

"Ich muss Deutsch lernen," he said: "I have to learn German."

From Reuters • Apr. 5, 2023

Or else, as my friend Kevin would say, the other countries would push us around in a circle and muss our hair.

From Salon • May 10, 2020

I have a sorority meeting here tomorrow, so don’t muss up the house.

From "Tears of a Tiger" by Sharon M. Draper