muffle

verb

muf·​fle ˈmə-fəl How to pronounce muffle (audio)
muffled; muffling ˈmə-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muffle (audio)
Synonyms of mufflenext

transitive verb

1
: to wrap up so as to conceal or protect : envelop
2
obsolete : blindfold
3
a
: to wrap or pad with something to dull the sound
muffle the oarlocks
b
: to deaden the sound of
4
: keep down, suppress
muffled her anger

Synonyms of muffle

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Examples of muffle in a Sentence

They tried to muffle the noise. I could hear their muffled voices from the next room.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As the door swings closed on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, muffling the sounds of traffic, the nook of curiosities comes alive. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026 After two hours of practice, with the 10-foot-tall fences doing little to muffle the bullhorn orders and corresponding groans, the huddle broke and the personalities sprung to life. — Noah White, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026 The generational distance that has muffled the pain of 2001 is also seen in California’s varied educational approach. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Other entrepreneurs can muffle the static of life and zero in on what actually matters. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for muffle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muflen

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of muffle was in the 15th century

Rhymes for muffle

See All Rhymes for muffle

Browse Nearby Words

muffin top
muffle
muffle furnace
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Muffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muffle. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

muffle

verb
muf·​fle ˈməf-əl How to pronounce muffle (audio)
muffled; muffling ˈməf-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce muffle (audio)
1
: to wrap up so as to conceal or protect
2
: to deaden the sound of
muffle a cry
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