scuffle

verb

scuf·​fle ˈskə-fəl How to pronounce scuffle (audio)
scuffled; scuffling ˈskə-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce scuffle (audio)
Synonyms of scufflenext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to struggle at close quarters with disorder and confusion
b
: to struggle (as by working odd jobs) to get by
2
a
: to move with a quick shuffling gait : scurry
b
: shuffle
scuffle noun

Synonyms of scuffle

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Examples of scuffle in a Sentence

Children scuffled on the playground. Small creatures scuffled in the underbrush.
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.
The addition of Adams and Goodman onto the roster bring some intrigue for a club that has been severely scuffling. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026 Cavan rushed to aid his brother and scuffled with Miami midfielder Yannick Bright. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 The two dogs began scuffling and Molloy allegedly pulled out a gun and fired a shot, killing Luke. — Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Some pushed against barricades and scuffled with police, who responded by firing tear gas rounds, using water cannon and beating them with batons, TV footage showed. — Reuters, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scuffle

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of scuff

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of scuffle was in 1590

Phrases Containing scuffle

Rhymes for scuffle

See All Rhymes for scuffle

Browse Nearby Words

scuffer
scuffle
scuffle hoe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

scuffle

verb
scuf·​fle ˈskəf-əl How to pronounce scuffle (audio)
scuffled; scuffling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce scuffle (audio)
1
: to struggle roughly at close quarters
2
a
: to move with a scuff : scurry
b
: to scuff one's feet
scuffle noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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