ruffle

verb
UK: /ˈrʌfl/
US: /ˈrʌfəl/

  1. To disturb the smoothness of something, like hair or feathers.

    1. The wind might ruffle your hair if you don't wear a hat.
    2. The cat licked its paw and began to ruffle the fur on its back.

  2. To annoy or upset someone; to make someone agitated.

    1. Don't let him ruffle you; he is just trying to get a reaction.
    2. The journalist's persistent questions began to ruffle the politician during the interview.

  3. To make a soft, rustling sound.

    1. The leaves ruffle in the gentle breeze outside my window.
    2. As I walked through the forest, I could hear the sound of leaves ruffle under my feet.

Synonyms

disarrange discompose irritate annoy frill flounce
ruffle noun

  1. A strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge, used for trimming.

    1. Her dress had a ruffle around the neckline.
    2. The decorative pillow was trimmed with a delicate ruffle of lace.

  2. A disturbance or agitation.

    1. The announcement caused a slight ruffle in the crowd.
    2. There was a minor ruffle when they realised they had booked the wrong band.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "ruffle" in English means: To disturb the smoothness of something, like hair or feathers., To annoy or upset someone; to make someone agitated., To make a soft, rustling sound..

The phonetic transcription of "ruffle" is /ˈrʌfl/ in British English and /ˈrʌfəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "ruffle": disarrange, discompose, irritate, annoy, frill, flounce.

Example usage of "ruffle": "The wind might ruffle your hair if you don't wear a hat.". More examples on the page.