Illustration of muff
muffed; muffing; muffs
1
: to handle awkwardly
muffed the interview
2
: to fail to hold (a ball) when attempting a catch
1
: to act or do something stupidly or clumsily
I tried so hard and still muffed.
2
: to muff a ball compare fumble
1
: a bungling performance
2
: a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch
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
Irene Kim, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2025
The outside of the headband piece and muffs are covered with suede leather trim that feels identical to that of my Ugg boots, and the brand’s logo is embroidered on each side in a subtle coordinating hue.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
Seth Emerson, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2025
The Jets got just their second takeaway of the season when Jamal Agnew muffed a fair catch of Austin McNamara's punt and Qwan'tez Stiggers recovered at the Atlanta 2.
—CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muff
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Noun
Whether your go-to is a beanie, balaclava, or ear muffs, stylish street stylers around the world demonstrate how a hat not only provides warmth on bitter winter days, but adds chic as well.
—Irene Kim, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2025
The outside of the headband piece and muffs are covered with suede leather trim that feels identical to that of my Ugg boots, and the brand’s logo is embroidered on each side in a subtle coordinating hue.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 11 Dec. 2025
Verb
Alabama punt returner Cole Adams nearly muffed a punt inside the 5, barely recovering but in bad field position.
—Seth Emerson, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2025
The Jets got just their second takeaway of the season when Jamal Agnew muffed a fair catch of Austin McNamara's punt and Qwan'tez Stiggers recovered at the Atlanta 2.
—CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muff
Cite this Entry
“Muff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muff. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
muff
1 of 2 noun
: 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
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