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.
The Angels’ offense scuffled through five scoreless innings against right-hander Mitch Spence and two more against right-hander Michael Kelly. Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 11 June 2025 In that closeout Game 6, Andrew Nembhard erupted for 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting, eight assists and six steals after scuffling for most of the series. Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 At a time when Arenado is scuffling and Willson Contreras (back spasms) has been unavailable, having Herrera’s thump from the right side has allowed the Cardinals’ lineup to remain versatile. Katie Woo, New York Times, 26 May 2025 Videos on social media showed people scuffling with officers in riot gear, and officers pinning multiple people to the ground. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scuffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scuffle. Accessed 25 Jun. 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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