muff

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈməf How to pronounce muff (audio)
Synonyms of muff
: a warm tubular covering for the hands

Illustration of muff

Illustration of muff

muff

2 of 3

verb

muffed; muffing; muffs

transitive verb

1
: to handle awkwardly
muffed the interview
2
: to fail to hold (a ball) when attempting a catch

intransitive verb

1
: to act or do something stupidly or clumsily
I tried so hard and still muffed.
2
: to muff a ball compare fumble

muff

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
: a bungling performance
2
: a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch

Synonyms of muff

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Verb

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Examples of muff in a Sentence

Verb He muffed his chance for a promotion. The outfielder muffed an easy catch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
According to former Joseph Magnin Company assistant buyer Doreen Provost, Monroe purchased the suit, along with a matching hat and a white fur muff, from her at the designer salon. — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 After Lovett’s muff, the defense was declared the winner, which meant planks for the offense. — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
Wright also muffed a kick return, the opening one of the preseason, last week at the Washington Commanders. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 But Lindor also muffed a leadoff grounder by Lopez in the first, which led to Hicks’ RBI single and an unearned run charged to Thornton. — Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for muff

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Dutch mof, from Middle French moufle mitten, from Medieval Latin muffula

Verb

probably from muff entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1599, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of muff was in 1599

Rhymes for muff

See All Rhymes for muff

Browse Nearby Words

MUF
muff
muffet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Muff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muff. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

muff

1 of 2 noun
ˈməf How to pronounce muff (audio)
: a soft thick tubelike covering with open ends in which both hands may be inserted for protection from cold

muff

2 of 2 noun
: a clumsy or bungled performance
especially : a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch
muff verb
Etymology

Noun

from Dutch mof "a cover for the hands," from early French moufle "mitten"

Noun

probably from 1muff

More from Merriam-Webster on muff

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about muff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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