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

This long, flowing black dress on Spirit Halloween features purple accents and ruffled mesh sleeves, instantly transforming you into your favorite character. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 29 Aug. 2024

Aurora James James wore a ruffled black dress with skin-baring elements at the 2024 Ebony Power 100 Gala. —Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Nov. 2024

Perhaps tarnished by mere association with its flamboyant cousin—the ruffled tux shirts of ‘70s prom nightmares—the formal style has collected dust while men pulled for plainer shirts with piqué bib-fronts. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024

For Glinda, be pretty in pink in a ruffled or puff-sleeve dress. —Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing ruffled

• ruffled the feathers of