verb
scuff
skuhf
Scuff (verb) means to scrape or drag the feet while walking, or to scratch a surface by rubbing. Example: “He scuffed his new shoes on the curb.”
verb
1
To scrape or drag the feet while walking, or to scratch a surface by rubbing.
"He scuffed his new shoes on the curb."
"Don't scuff the floor dragging that chair."
noun
1
A mark left by scraping or rubbing.
"There's a scuff on the toe of your boot."
How to use scuff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo scrape something (like shoes or a floor) leaving a mark, or the mark itself.
Common pairings
scuff marks
scuff your shoes
a scuff on the wall
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Word forms
- Plural
- scuffs
- Third person singular
- scuffs
- Past tense
- scuffed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ his new shoes on the curb.
Etymology
From a Scots word meaning "to touch lightly, graze, or hit," possibly linked to an Old Norse word meaning "to shove."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for scuff
See all rhymes for scuff →Frequently asked questions
What does “scuff” mean?
The word “scuff” means to scrape or drag the feet while walking, or to scratch a surface by rubbing. In plain terms, to scrape something (like shoes or a floor) leaving a mark, or the mark itself.
How do you pronounce “scuff”?
“Scuff” is pronounced skuhf (/skʌf/ in IPA).
How do you use “scuff” in a sentence?
Here is “scuff” used in a sentence: “He scuffed his new shoes on the curb.”
What part of speech is “scuff”?
Depending on how it is used, “scuff” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scuff” come from?
The word “scuff” comes from Old Norse. From a Scots word meaning "to touch lightly, graze, or hit," possibly linked to an Old Norse word meaning "to shove.".
How many meanings does “scuff” have?
“Scuff” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to scrape or drag the feet while walking, or to scratch a surface by rubbing.
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