ruffle

Everyday

1. (verb) To make something uneven or messy, like hair, feathers or a smooth surface. tree →
2. (verb) To annoy or upset someone a little: "ruffle someone's feathers". tree →
3. (noun) A strip of gathered cloth used as decoration on a dress or shirt; a frill. tree →
4. (noun) A soft drum roll. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, grown-ups ruffle children's hair as a friendly gesture. In nature, birds ruffle their feathers to keep warm or look bigger. In stories, the wind ruffles water or leaves; "ruffle feathers" means upset people. Phrases: ruffle someone's hair, ruffle feathers, unruffled (calm), a dress with ruffles.

Examples

• Grandad ruffled my hair and smiled. tree →
• A breeze ruffled the surface of the lake. tree →
• The bird ruffled its feathers in the cold. tree →
• Her rude comment ruffled a few feathers. tree →
• The princess wore a dress with lots of ruffles. tree →
• He stayed calm and unruffled during the test. tree →
• 'Can you ruffle your fur when you are angry, or purr when you are pleased?' said she. tree →

Note

Past form: ruffled. "Unruffled" means calm. Do not confuse with "rumple" (crease) or "raffle" (prize draw).