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

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

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

“I trust him. I trust all of our guys. Tommy has been scuffling, and he came up with a big hit, and Gavin really came up big for us tonight.”

From Los Angeles Times

And then some other guy got it, and by that point it was kind of too late to jump down and try and get in the scuffle.”

From Los Angeles Times

After two more weeks of partisan scuffling, right up to or beyond the midnight Sept. 30 deadline, Congress likely will pass a three-month bill, free of partisan add-ons, funding the government until mid-December.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• jostle
• tussle
• wrestle