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

Hefner is quickly building a reputation as a coach who can help transform scuffling back-end starters into frontline rotation options, and the Mets are hoping Montas can benefit from his coaching. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025

The Celtics’ regulars then scuffled through the final 12 minutes, keeping the Bulls at arm’s length but not delivering any sort of authoritative knockout blow. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025

Roe was forced outside then re-entered and again scuffled with police and blocked them from moving the rioters out. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025

The Capitals have scuffled a bit since a 21-6-2 start, winning only seven of their last 14 games entering Tuesday’s tilt against Anaheim. —James Mirtle, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 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