How to pronounce ruffle
Say it like RUHF-ul. Ruffle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ruffle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUHF
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ruffle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RUHFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ruffle
American and British speakers say ruffle in essentially the same way: /ˈrʌfəl/ in the US and /ˈrʌfəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: RUHF-ul.
What does ruffle mean?
- To make a ruffle in; to curl or flute, as an edge of fabric.“Ruffle the end of the cuff.”
- To disturb; especially, to cause to flutter.“The wind ruffled the papers.”
- To grow rough, boisterous, or turbulent.
- Any gathered or curled strip of fabric added as trim or decoration.“She loved the dress with the lace ruffle at the hem.”
- Disturbance; agitation; commotion.“to put the mind in a ruffle”
- A low, vibrating beat of a drum, quieter than a roll; a ruff.
Where does ruffle come from?
From Middle English ruffelen, perhaps from Old Norse hrufla (“to graze, scratch”) or Middle Low German ruffelen (“to wrinkle, curl”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with ruffle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ruffle.
Questions about saying ruffle
How do you pronounce ruffle?
Say RUHF-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈrʌfəl/. In British English it is /ˈrʌfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ruffle?
Ruffle has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUHF). Broken into parts: RUHF · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say ruffle the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrʌfəl/ and the British form is /ˈrʌfəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.