ruffle

¹

[ ruhf-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, ruf·fled, ruf·fling.

1. to destroy the smoothness or evenness of:

   The wind ruffled the sand.

   Synonyms: rumple, wrinkle, disorder, disarrange

   Antonyms: order, arrange, smooth

2. to erect (the feathers), as a bird in anger.
3. to disturb, vex, or irritate:

   to be ruffled by a perceived slight.

   Synonyms: agitate, annoy, upset

   Antonyms: compose, soothe

4. to turn (the pages of a book) rapidly.
5. to pass (cards) through the fingers rapidly in shuffling.
6. to draw up (cloth, lace, etc.) into a ruffle by gathering along one edge.

verb (used without object)

, ruf·fled, ruf·fling.

1. to be or become ruffled; undulate; flutter:

   Flags ruffle in the wind.

2. to be or become vexed or irritated.
3. to put on airs; swagger.

noun

1. a break in the smoothness or evenness of some surface; undulation.

   Synonyms: vexation, trial, headache, aggravation

2. a strip of cloth, lace, etc., drawn up by gathering along one edge and used as a trimming on a dress, blouse, etc.

   Synonyms: ruff, frill

3. some object resembling this, as the ruff of a bird.
4. disturbance or vexation; annoyance; irritation:

   It is impossible to live without some daily ruffles to our composure.

   Antonyms: joy, delight

5. a disturbed state of mind; perturbation.

ruffle

²

[ ruhf-uhl ]

noun

1. a low, continuous beating of a drum.

verb (used with object)

, ruf·fled, ruf·fling.

1. to beat (a drum) in this manner.

ruffle

¹

/ ˈrʌfəl /

verb

1. archaic.
   intr to behave riotously or arrogantly; swagger

ruffle

²

/ ˈrʌfəl /

noun

1. a low continuous drumbeat

verb

1. tr to beat (a drum) with a low repetitive beat

ruffle

³

/ ˈrʌfəl /

verb

1. to make, be, or become irregular or rumpled

   a breeze ruffling the water

   to ruffle a child's hair

2. to annoy, irritate, or be annoyed or irritated
3. tr to make into a ruffle; pleat
4. (of a bird) to erect (its feathers) in anger, display, etc
5. tr to flick (cards, pages, etc) rapidly with the fingers

noun

1. an irregular or disturbed surface
2. a strip of pleated material used for decoration or as a trim
3. zoology another name for ruff 1
4. annoyance or irritation

Other Words From

• ruffly adjective
• ruffler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruffle¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English verb ruffelen, ruflen; origin uncertain; perhaps cognate with Low German ruffelen “to crumple, rumple,” Old Norse hruffa “to scratch”

Origin of ruffle²

First recorded in 1690–1700; archaic ruff in same sense (perhaps imitative) + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of ruffle¹

C15: of obscure origin

Origin of ruffle²

C18: from earlier ruff , of imitative origin

Origin of ruffle³

C13: of Germanic origin; compare Middle Low German ruffelen to crumple, Old Norse hrufla to scratch

Example Sentences

"In one world, you’re trying to contain your energy or yourself or your expression just so that you don’t ruffle feathers, while in another world your energy, you can’t even extinguish it," she said.

From BBC

Right is right and wrong is wrong, she used to tell herself, knowing that she would ruffle some feathers in the process.

From Los Angeles Times

English football fans knew little about Wenger prior to his appointment as Arsenal manager in October 1996, but the Frenchman was quick to make an impression - and ruffle one or two feathers among his rivals.

From BBC

That’s why I’ll have this cute ruffle top with a bag, then I will wear a sports jacket.

From Los Angeles Times

She certainly wouldn’t ruffle any hair.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annoy
• disturb
• irk
• rattle