fuss
fuhs
Fuss (noun) means Excessive worry, activity, or complaint over something minor. Example: “There's no need to make such a fuss over a spilled drink.”
noun
1
Excessive worry, activity, or complaint over something minor.
"There's no need to make such a fuss over a spilled drink."
"Why all the fuss about a small scratch on the car?"
"The neighbours kicked up a fuss when the bins were collected late."
verb
1
To worry or busy oneself over unimportant details.
"She fussed over the table settings for an hour before the guests arrived."
"He always fusses when things don't go exactly as planned."
"Stop fussing about your hair, you look perfectly fine."
How to use fuss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMaking an unnecessary amount of noise, worry, or bother about something small.
Common pairings
make a fuss
fuss over
without a fuss
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Word forms
- Plural
- fusses
- Third person singular
- fusses
- Past tense
- fussed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There's no need to make such a _____ over a spilled drink.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly related to a Danish word meaning "nonsense," via Middle Low German.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for fuss
See all rhymes for fuss →Frequently asked questions
What does “fuss” mean?
The word “fuss” means excessive worry, activity, or complaint over something minor. In plain terms, making an unnecessary amount of noise, worry, or bother about something small.
How do you pronounce “fuss”?
“Fuss” is pronounced fuhs (/fʌs/ in IPA).
How do you use “fuss” in a sentence?
Here is “fuss” used in a sentence: “There's no need to make such a fuss over a spilled drink.”
What part of speech is “fuss”?
Depending on how it is used, “fuss” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “fuss” come from?
The word “fuss” comes from German. Origin uncertain; possibly related to a Danish word meaning "nonsense," via Middle Low German.
Is “fuss” a common word?
“Fuss” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “fuss” have?
“Fuss” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: excessive worry, activity, or complaint over something minor.
What is the difference between fuss and worry?
Fuss refers to excessive activity, complaint, or attention over something minor, often involving visible behavior, while worry is more about an internal state of anxiety that may not show outwardly. Someone can worry quietly without making a fuss.
What does it mean to make a fuss over someone?
To make a fuss over someone means to give them a lot of attention, praise, or care, often more than the situation strictly requires. This is a positive use of fuss, distinct from complaining about a minor problem.
Is fuss used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, fuss works as a noun meaning excessive worry or complaint over something minor, and as a verb meaning to worry or busy oneself over unimportant details. Both forms describe the same underlying idea of overreacting to something small.
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