fuss

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: needless bustle or excitement
They got down to business without any fuss.
b
: a show of flattering attention
made a big fuss over his favorite niece
2
a
: a state of agitation especially over a trivial matter
in a fuss and stew all afternoonMolly L. Bar-David
b
: objection, protest
She accepted the new assignment without any fuss.
c
: an often petty controversy or quarrel
the fuss they are raising … over certain words and phrasesB. J. Hendricks

fuss

2 of 2

verb

fussed; fussing; fusses

intransitive verb

1
a
: to create or be in a state of restless activity
especially : to shower flattering attentions
fussing over the grandchildren
b
: to pay close or undue attention to small details
fussed with her hair
2
a
: to become upset : worry
b
: to express annoyance or pique : complain
fusser noun

Examples of fuss in a Sentence

Noun They got down to business without any fuss. What is all the fuss about? Her new novel has caused quite a fuss. I don't want to make a fuss, but this soup is cold. Verb She'll fuss the whole time we're gone. I told him not to fuss. The baby fussed all day. Stop fussing and get to work! He's fussing about his new assignment.
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
Princess Cruises Offering premium packages without the fuss of some larger companies, Princess Cruises are sophisticated and cater to travelers who value off-boat excursions as much as onboard activities. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025 Light, floaty, and romantic, Pottery Barn’s voile bed skirt could easily skew frilly—but bright white cotton and sleek elegant folds help the design steer clear of fuss. Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
On top of this, her mother and sister are fussing about her future relationship status, which leads to them plotting some dates for her. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 The world saw this five-man group as an ideal of friendship, a community working and living together, fussing and fighting but making rough beauty out of it. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fuss

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1792, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fuss was in 1701

Cite this Entry

“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuss. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

fuss

1 of 2 noun
1
: unnecessary activity or excitement often over something unimportant
2
3
: a great show of interest
made a fuss over the baby

fuss

2 of 2 verb
: to make a fuss
fusser noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fuss

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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