scuffle

American  

[skuhf-uhl] / ˈskʌf əl /

verb (used without object)

scuffled, scuffling

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 scuffle hoe.  a spadelike hoe that is pushed instead of pulled.

4. (in tap dancing) a forward and backward movement of the foot.

scuffle ¹ British  

/ 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 British  

/ ˈskʌfəl /

noun

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

---

Other Word Forms

• scuffler noun
• scufflingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of scuffle

First recorded in 1570–80; scuff, -le

Example Sentences

Remember its carefully telegraphed missile strikes after previous scuffles, easily shot down by the U.S. and its allies.

From The Wall Street Journal

A shuffling and scuffling came from deep in the garbage mound; then Nine and Little Two came tumbling out, one after the other.

From Literature

A sound of scuffling made us all look up.

From Literature

Torak heard sounds .of a scuffle -mare snow trickled dawn -then Wolf gave a peevish growl.

From Literature

Before I could register what Ma was asking me, my brothers, Danny and Joe, threw open the front door and hurtled into the store, laughing and scuffling with each other.

From Literature

Related Words

• brawl
• commotion
• disturbance
• fracas
• ruckus
• strife
• tussle
• wrangle