1
a
: needless bustle or excitement
They got down to business without any fuss.
b
: a show of flattering attention
made a big fuss over his favorite niece
2
a
: a state of agitation especially over a trivial matter
… in a fuss and stew all afternoon.—
Molly L. Bar-David
Molly L. Bar-David
c
: an often petty controversy or quarrel
… the fuss they are raising … over certain words and phrases.—B. J. Hendricks
B. J. Hendricks
fussed; fussing; fusses
1
a
: to create or be in a state of restless activity
especially
: to shower flattering attentions
fussing over the grandchildren
b
: to pay close or undue attention to small details
fussed with the table setting
fusser
noun
Examples of fuss in a Sentence
Noun
They got down to business without any fuss.
What is all the fuss about?
Her new novel has caused quite a fuss.
I don't want to make a fuss, but this soup is cold.
Verb
She'll fuss the whole time we're gone.
I told him not to fuss.
The baby fussed all day.
Stop fussing and get to work!
He's fussing about his new assignment.
Recent Examples on the Web
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Then, without much fuss, group two starts to prepare for their talent show.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026
Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Your son is fussing in his car seat.
—Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fuss
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Plant it in rich, well-draining soil, and dianthus won't require a lot of fuss once it's established.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Then, without much fuss, group two starts to prepare for their talent show.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
Asparagus fern is very tolerant of indoor living, doesn't fuss too much about watering schedules, and can make do with less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Your son is fussing in his car seat.
—Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fuss
Cite this Entry
“Fuss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuss. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fuss
1 of 2 noun1
: unnecessary activity or excitement often over something unimportant
2
3
: a great show of interest
made a fuss over the baby
fuss
2 of 2 verb
: to make a fuss
fusser
noun
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