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Definition of kerfuffle

kerfuffle

/kərˈfʌf.əl/
ker · fuf · fle
Plural:kerfuffles
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kerfuffle Lexical Profile

kerfuffle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A commotion, fuss, or disorderly disturbance, especially one caused by conflicting views or a minor disagreement.

Example

"There was quite a kerfuffle at the town hall meeting when the committee announced the new parking restrictions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for kerfuffle

• Nearby Words

keratin
kerchief
kerchoo
kerfuffle
kerinci
kerio
kern

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 19th century, "kerfuffle" originates from the Scots dialect word "curfuffle," formed by combining the intensive prefix "cur-" (or "ker-") with the verb "fuffle," meaning to throw into disorder or ruffle.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kerfuffle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 2, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kerfuffle
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