verb

muddle

MUHDL

Muddle (verb) means to mix things up in a confusing way, or to think in a confused, unclear manner. Example: “He muddled the dates and showed up a day early.”

verb

To mix things up in a confusing way, or to think in a confused, unclear manner.

"He muddled the dates and showed up a day early."

"Try not to muddle the two reports together."

To crush ingredients (such as mint or fruit) in the bottom of a glass when making a cocktail.

"Muddle the mint leaves before adding the rum."

"Bartenders muddle sugar and lime for a mojito."

noun

A state of confusion or disorder.

"The paperwork was in a complete muddle."

"Her thoughts were a muddle after the long flight."

How to use muddle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo confuse things (or thoughts) together — or, in cooking, to crush ingredients for a drink.

Common pairings

muddle through in a muddle muddle the mint

Word forms

muddled past tense, muddles plural, muddles plural, muddles singular

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He _____ the dates and showed up a day early.

Etymology

From Middle Dutch moddelen ("to make muddy"), related to the word mud.

Origin: Dutch

Synonyms

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fix hole mess jam pickle puddle clutter jumble smother addle fuddle welter

Related words

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Rhymes for muddle

cuddle huddle puddle

See all rhymes for muddle →

Frequently asked questions

What does “muddle” mean?

The word “muddle” means to mix things up in a confusing way, or to think in a confused, unclear manner. In plain terms, to confuse things (or thoughts) together — or, in cooking, to crush ingredients for a drink.

How do you pronounce “muddle”?

“Muddle” is pronounced MUHDL (/ˈmʌd(ə)l/ in IPA).

How do you use “muddle” in a sentence?

Here is “muddle” used in a sentence: “He muddled the dates and showed up a day early.”

What part of speech is “muddle”?

Depending on how it is used, “muddle” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “muddle” come from?

The word “muddle” comes from Dutch. From Middle Dutch moddelen ("to make muddy"), related to the word mud.

How many meanings does “muddle” have?

“Muddle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to mix things up in a confusing way, or to think in a confused, unclear manner.

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Vocabulary lists that include muddle:

Words with Dutch origins

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