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

To make something untidy or messy, especially hair or clothing.

"The wind mussed his hair the moment he stepped outside."

noun

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 notes

In plain EnglishTo rumple or make untidy — usually said of hair.

Easily confused with

mess →

Common pairings

muss up someone's hair without so much as a muss

Word forms

mussed past tense, musses plural, musses plural, musses singular

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The wind _____ his hair the moment he stepped outside.

Etymology

Related to the word mess, describing disorder or untidiness.

Synonyms

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mess tussle Mus messiness mussiness

Related words

deal mission mass hole plenty mess pot disorder

Rhymes for muss

fuss suss puss wuss cuss Russ truss

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.

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deal mission mass hole plenty mess pot disorder