ruff
5 synonyms for ruff, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A stiff, frilled collar worn around the neck, especially in 16th and 17th century fashion.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A stiff, frilled collar worn around the neck, especially in 16th and 17th century fashion.
“The portrait showed a nobleman in a starched white ruff.”
2. verb
In card games, to play a trump card because you can't follow the suit led.
“She ruffed the trick with her last spade.”
Etymology
Likely a shortened form of "ruffle," possibly influenced by "rough."
Full origin of ruff →Frequently asked questions
What does “ruff” mean?
The word “ruff” means a stiff, frilled collar worn around the neck, especially in 16th and 17th century fashion. In plain terms, a frilly collar (fashion), a type of bird, or a card-game move — three unrelated meanings sharing one spelling.
How do you pronounce “ruff”?
“Ruff” is pronounced ruhf (/ɹəf/ in IPA).
How do you use “ruff” in a sentence?
Here is “ruff” used in a sentence: “The portrait showed a nobleman in a starched white ruff.”
What is another word for “ruff”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ruff” include trump.
What part of speech is “ruff”?
Depending on how it is used, “ruff” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “ruff” have?
“Ruff” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a stiff, frilled collar worn around the neck, especially in 16th and 17th century fashion.
