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

The Rays responded with three runs in the top of the fifth against Miami’s young right-hander Max Meyer, who continues to scuffle after a stellar start to the season. —Isaac Azout, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025

Polls show the Israeli public wants a deal to bring back the remaining 59 hostages still held in Gaza and there were angry scenes outside parliament with dozens of protesters scuffling with police. —Maayan Lubell, USA Today, 6 May 2025

The series win over the Yankees was just their second series win of the season, as the Orioles had scuffled to begin the season. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025

The Royals’ offense is still scuffling, but the rotation has taken its performance to another level. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps frequentative of scuff

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing scuffle

• scuffle hoe

Rhymes for scuffle

• duffel
• duffle
• muffle
• ruffle
• shuffle
• truffle
• reshuffle

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