noun
scuffle
SKUH-fuhl
Scuffle (noun) means a brief, disorganized fight or struggle at close quarters. Example: “A scuffle broke out near the exit after the game.”
noun
1
A brief, disorganized fight or struggle at close quarters.
"A scuffle broke out near the exit after the game."
"Security broke up the scuffle before it escalated."
verb
1
To fight or struggle briefly and messily at close range.
"The two players scuffled after the hard tackle."
How to use scuffle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short, messy fight, or to engage in one.
Common pairings
a minor scuffle
break up a scuffle
scuffle with police
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Word forms
- Plural
- scuffles
- Third person singular
- scuffles
- Past tense
- scuffled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ broke out near the exit after the game.
Etymology
Likely from a Scandinavian root related to "to push" or "to shove," as seen in Swedish skuff ("a push").
Related words
Rhymes for scuffle
See all rhymes for scuffle →Frequently asked questions
What does “scuffle” mean?
The word “scuffle” means a brief, disorganized fight or struggle at close quarters. In plain terms, a short, messy fight, or to engage in one.
How do you pronounce “scuffle”?
“Scuffle” is pronounced SKUH-fuhl (/ˈskʌfəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “scuffle” in a sentence?
Here is “scuffle” used in a sentence: “A scuffle broke out near the exit after the game.”
What part of speech is “scuffle”?
Depending on how it is used, “scuffle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scuffle” come from?
The word “scuffle” comes from Swedish. Likely from a Scandinavian root related to "to push" or "to shove," as seen in Swedish skuff ("a push").
How many meanings does “scuffle” have?
“Scuffle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a brief, disorganized fight or struggle at close quarters.
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