scuffle

[ skuhf-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, scuf·fled, scuf·fling.

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.

noun

1. a rough, confused struggle or fight.

   Synonyms: row, tussle, scrap

2. a shuffling:

   a scuffle of feet.

3. Also called scuffle hoe. a spadelike hoe that is pushed instead of pulled.
4. (in tap dancing) a forward and backward movement of the foot.

scuffle

¹

/ ˈskʌfəl /

verb

1. to fight in a disorderly manner
2. to move by shuffling
3. to move in a hurried or confused manner

noun

1. a disorderly struggle
2. the sound made by scuffling or shuffling

scuffle

²

/ ˈskʌfəl /

noun

1. a type of hoe operated by pushing rather than pulling

Other Words From

• scuffler noun
• scuffling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scuffle¹

First recorded in 1570–80; scuff, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of scuffle¹

C16: from Scandinavian; compare Swedish skuff, skuffa to push

Origin of scuffle²

C18: from Dutch schoffel shovel

Example Sentences

The Amirkabir Newsletter Telegram channel - which describes itself as “Iranian student movement media” and was the first to publish the story - reported that the woman had an altercation with security agents over not wearing a headscarf, leading to her undressing during the scuffle.

From BBC

Mario Solis, who had a history of mental illness, was jailed after a scuffle with a grocery store security guard over a stolen bag of Skittles, according to court records.

From Los Angeles Times

Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy both struggled in a far more defensive scuffle than their Super Bowl meeting in February - but the defending champions keep finding ways to win behind a defence that's carrying them game after game.

From BBC

When the men succeed in pulling the doors open, they strike the clerk in the abdomen and scuffle with him before retreating briefly.

From Los Angeles Times

As the final whistle blew, the passion of the back-and-forth contest led to a postgame scuffle.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• jostle
• tussle
• wrestle