scuffle

verb

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

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
scuffle noun

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.
But the echoes of the deadly riot still reverberate through Capitol Hill, as Democrats and Republicans continue to scuffle over which history of Jan. 6, 2021, will endure. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025 Ben Johnson wants to remind doubters of his scuffling Gophers men’s basketball team that No. 2 scoring option and starting point guard Mike Mitchell Jr. missed seven games earlier this season with a high ankle sprain. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 1 Jan. 2025 In footage caught by an unnamed apparel store, the former friends could be seen having an intense discussion before scuffling inside the establishment. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 26 Dec. 2024 So, yes, the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks appear to be scuffling at the moment. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near scuffle

Cite this Entry

“Scuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scuffle. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on scuffle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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