ruffled

adjective

ruf·​fled ˈrə-fəld 

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

"He never got upset, never got ruffled," Colonel William Peoples, one of his former commanders, recalls.

—Barry Werth

2

a

: adorned or trimmed with ruffles

They begin with a fiesta of old-time flamenco style in old-time heavy, ruffled costumes.

—Elizabeth Zimmer

But 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

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

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

Though, a hint of that old whimsical spirit was still present: A ruffled collar peaked out from under the sweater, for a more unexpected touch. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 29 Sep. 2024

Elordi reportedly kept a low-profile at the event, wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball cap that covered most of his face, while Olivia wore a ruffled top with an oversized leather jacket and wide-leg pants. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 28 Sep. 2024

Those who don't don a ruffled shirt are not overly thrown. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024

Miller opted for a periwinkle crepe chiffon caped Chloé gown featuring a ruffled hemline. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing ruffled

• ruffled the feathers of