verb
muss
muhs
Muss (verb) means to make something untidy or messy, especially hair or clothing. Example: “The wind mussed his hair the moment he stepped outside.”
verb
1
To make something untidy or messy, especially hair or clothing.
"The old man affectionately mussed his grandson's hair."
"The wind mussed his hair the moment he stepped outside."
noun
1
A state of disorder or mess.
"The kids left the playroom in a total muss of toys and blankets."
How to use muss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo rumple or make untidy — usually said of hair.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
muss up someone's hair
without so much as a muss
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Word forms
- Plural
- musses
- Third person singular
- musses
- Past tense
- mussed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The wind _____ his hair the moment he stepped outside.
Etymology
Related to the word mess, describing disorder or untidiness.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for muss
See all rhymes for muss →Frequently asked questions
What does “muss” mean?
The word “muss” means to make something untidy or messy, especially hair or clothing. In plain terms, to rumple or make untidy — usually said of hair.
How do you pronounce “muss”?
“Muss” is pronounced muhs (/mʌs/ in IPA).
How do you use “muss” in a sentence?
Here is “muss” used in a sentence: “The wind mussed his hair the moment he stepped outside.”
What part of speech is “muss”?
Depending on how it is used, “muss” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “muss” have?
“Muss” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something untidy or messy, especially hair or clothing.
