noun

scuffle

SKUH-fuhl

noun

A brief, disorganized fight or struggle at close quarters.

"A scuffle broke out near the exit after the game."

"Security broke up the scuffle before it escalated."

verb

To fight or struggle briefly and messily at close range.

"The two players scuffled after the hard tackle."

How to Use Scuffle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA short, messy fight, or to engage in one.

Common pairings

a minor scuffle break up a scuffle scuffle with police

scuffled past tense, scuffled past tense, scuffles plural, scuffles plural, scuffles singular, scuffles singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ broke out near the exit after the game.

Likely from a Scandinavian root related to "to push" or "to shove," as seen in Swedish skuff ("a push").

ruffle shuffle souffle