muff
a thick, tubular case for the hands, covered with fur or other material, used by women and girls for warmth and as a handbag.
a bungled or clumsy action or performance.
Sports. a failure to hold onto a ball that may reasonably be expected to be caught successfully.
a tuft of feathers on the sides of the head of certain fowls.
Slang: Vulgar. a woman's pubic area.
See under muff glass.
Informal. to bungle; handle clumsily: He muffed a good opportunity.
Sports. to fail to hold onto (a ball that may reasonably be expected to be caught successfully); fumble.
Informal. to bungle; perform clumsily.
Origin of muff
1Other words from muff
- muffy, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use muff in a sentence
The seamstress, muffing her arms with the garment she was dipping in soapy water, did not answer.
Fraternity | John GalsworthyThe ball-player must do a lot of muffing and wild throwing before he can become a sure catcher and a straight thrower.
The Five Great Philosophies of Life | William de Witt HydeStill we can't afford to go on muffing and missing too long.
British Dictionary definitions for muff (1 of 2)
/ (mʌf) /
an open-ended cylinder of fur or cloth into which the hands are placed for warmth
the tuft on either side of the head of certain fowls
Origin of muff
1British Dictionary definitions for muff (2 of 2)
/ (mʌf) /
to perform (an action) awkwardly
(tr) to bungle (a shot, catch, etc) in a game
any unskilful play in a game, esp a dropped catch
any clumsy or bungled action
a bungler
Origin of muff
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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