muffle

verb

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

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

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 The Sonos Ace do an excellent job muffling ambient noise on airplanes. Prakhar Khanna, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 Many of these devices are equipped with noise-cancelling technology that muffles the ambient sound of the world—honking cars, yelling children, clacking keyboards—by emitting vibrations of the opposite frequency. Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2024 The sound machine function is great for creating the right amount of white noise or muffling distracting outside sounds in cities. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 10 Aug. 2024 In their view, the NIH sought to muffle the views of people who opposed animal testing and wanted to discuss this online. Ed Silverman Reprints, STAT, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for muffle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'muffle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near muffle

Cite this Entry

“Muffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muffle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on muffle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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