muff

1 of 3

noun (1)

: a warm tubular covering for the hands

Illustration of muff

Illustration of muff

muff

2 of 3

verb

muffed; muffing; muffs

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

3 of 3

noun (2)

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

Examples of muff in a Sentence

Verb He muffed his chance for a promotion. The outfielder muffed an easy catch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The muff is full-coverage, attaches easily and securely to the stroller, and features an extendable panel for use as a child grows. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025 Our tester recommends using caution when letting your child have food inside the muff. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
The Eagles defense immediately forced a punt that Cooper DeJean muffed at the Philadelphia 11. Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 The game ended when Xavier Gipson muffed a punt and the Rams recovered. Zack Rosenblatt, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for muff

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Verb

probably from muff entry 1

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of muff was in 1599

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Muff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muff. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

muff

1 of 2 noun
: a soft thick tubelike covering with open ends in which both hands may be inserted for protection from cold

muff

2 of 2 noun
: a clumsy or bungled performance
especially : a failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch
muff verb
Etymology

Noun

from Dutch mof "a cover for the hands," from early French moufle "mitten"

Noun

probably from 1muff

More from Merriam-Webster on muff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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