verb
muddle
MUHDL
verb
1
To mix things up in a confusing way, or to think in a confused, unclear manner.
"He muddled the dates and showed up a day early."
"Try not to muddle the two reports together."
2
To crush ingredients (such as mint or fruit) in the bottom of a glass when making a cocktail.
"Muddle the mint leaves before adding the rum."
"Bartenders muddle sugar and lime for a mojito."
noun
1
A state of confusion or disorder.
"The paperwork was in a complete muddle."
"Her thoughts were a muddle after the long flight."
How to Use Muddle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo confuse things (or thoughts) together — or, in cooking, to crush ingredients for a drink.
Common pairings
muddle through
in a muddle
muddle the mint
Word Forms
muddled past tense, muddles plural, muddles plural, muddles singular
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Etymology
From Middle Dutch moddelen ("to make muddy"), related to the word mud.