1
: affected by a loss of calmness or composure
… he is reserved and gracious, though gets a bit ruffled when asked about things he considers too personal …—
Rhonda Shafner
Rhonda Shafner"He never got upset, never got ruffled," Colonel William Peoples, one of his former commanders, recalls.—Barry Werth
Barry Werth2
a
: adorned or trimmed with ruffles
They begin with a fiesta of old-time flamenco style in old-time heavy, ruffled costumes.—Elizabeth Zimmer
Elizabeth ZimmerBut she had lost some of Todd's starchy look, and the tank top and shorts she was wearing suited her better than the ruffled things she'd favored as a child.—Deborah Eisenberg
Deborah Eisenberg
b(1)
of a plant
: having flowers or leaves with wavy edges
ruffled gladiolas
(2)
of a flower, petal, or leaf
: having wavy edges
ruffled rose petals
ruffled kale leaves
Moss rose (Portulaca grandifolia) loves the sun and is a tough beauty with satiny, ruffled flowers and a drought-resistant nature.—Irene Virag
Irene Virag
c
of a bird
: having the feathers erected in or like a ruff see ruff entry 2 sense 2
a ruffled owl
Examples of ruffled in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nailing the intersection between timeless and trendy, the ruffled neckline and voluminous sleeves are gorgeous details that keep the shirt fun and fresh, while the loose fit is comfy for sightseeing and other activities during your travels.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025
The opening looks were variations on white dresses with ruffled trumpet hems and scooped backs.
—Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Its ruffled cap sleeves and high neckline are fashionable and full-coverage, while its back V-neck and high-low hem will keep you from overheating on the dance floor.
—Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
For the event, Carver appeared to wear a silk white spaghetti-strap gown, which featured a ruffled element at her waist.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffled
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Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 2025
The opening looks were variations on white dresses with ruffled trumpet hems and scooped backs.
—Blue Carreon, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Its ruffled cap sleeves and high neckline are fashionable and full-coverage, while its back V-neck and high-low hem will keep you from overheating on the dance floor.
—Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025
For the event, Carver appeared to wear a silk white spaghetti-strap gown, which featured a ruffled element at her waist.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruffled
Cite this Entry
“Ruffled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruffled. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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