scuffle

verb

scuf·​fle ˈskə-fəl 

scuffled; scuffling ˈskə-f(ə-)liŋ 

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

• barge
• clump
• flog [British]
• flounder
• galumph
• lumber
• lump
• plod
• pound
• scuff
• shamble
• shuffle
• slog
• slough
• stamp
• stomp
• stumble
• stump
• tramp
• tromp
• trudge

Examples of scuffle in a Sentence

Children scuffled on the playground.

Small creatures scuffled in the underbrush.

Recent Examples on the Web

Protesters also arrived at the legislature, where some scuffled with security forces. —Stella Kim, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024

Five thoughts on the suddenly scuffling Maple Leafs Mazraoui as the No 10? —New York Times, 25 Oct. 2024

Pérez has scuffled since May, with inconsistent performances that have dragged Red Bull to within striking distance of losing the championship lead to McLaren. —Madeline Coleman, The Athletic, 28 July 2024

Penn State overcame the loss of quarterback Drew Allar to injury just before halftime to win at Wisconsin and remained No. 3 going into this weekend’s home game against Ohio State, which stayed No. 4 after scuffling to a 21-17 win at home against nearly four-touchdown-underdog Nebraska. —Eric Olson, The Denver Post, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of scuff

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scuffle

• scuffle hoe

Kids Definition

scuffle

verb

scuf·​fle ˈskəf-əl 

scuffled; scuffling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to struggle roughly at close quarters

2

a

: to move with a scuff : scurry

b

: to scuff one's feet

scuffle noun