1 muff | Definition of muff
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

muff

noun (1)
\ ˈməf How to pronounce muff (audio) \

Definition of muff

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: a warm tubular covering for the hands

muff

verb
muffed; muffing; muffs

Definition of muff (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to handle awkwardly
2 : to fail to hold (a ball) when attempting a catch

intransitive verb

1 : to act or do something stupidly or clumsily
2 : to muff a ball — compare fumble

muff

noun (2)

Definition of muff (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a bungling performance
2 : a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch

Illustration of muff

Illustration of muff

Noun (1)

In the meaning defined above

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about muff

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of muff in a Sentence

Verb

 He muffed his chance for a promotion. The outfielder muffed an easy catch.

First Known Use of muff

Noun (1)

1599, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1846, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for muff

Noun (1)

Dutch mof, from Middle French moufle mitten, from Medieval Latin muffula

Verb

probably from muff entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for muff

muff

verb

English Language Learners Definition of muff

informal : to make a mistake in doing or handling (something)

See the full definition for muff in the English Language Learners Dictionary

muff

noun
\ ˈməf How to pronounce muff (audio) \

Kids Definition of muff

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a soft thick cover into which both hands can be placed to protect them from cold

muff

verb
muffed; muffing

Kids Definition of muff (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make a mistake in doing or handling He muffed an easy catch.

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on muff

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with muff

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for muff

Spanish Central: Translation of muff

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about muff

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!