What does muff mean?
A muff is a soft covering, usually made from fur or thick fabric, that encloses the hands to keep them warm. By extension, the word has a less common regional sense for stagnant water collected behind a barrier. As a verb, muffle means to make a sound quieter or less distinct, as when thick curtains, a closed door, or a covering around a speaker reduces the noise. It can also describe concealing a face or head from cold, wind, or public view. The noun is especially associated with winter clothing and often appears in phrases such as a fur muff or a pair of muffs. The verb is broadly used in descriptions of sound and speech, including the common expression to muffle one's voice. Although the two parts of speech look unrelated at first glance, both evoke the effect of enclosing or blocking something so that it is less exposed.
A tubular or gathered covering for the hands, especially one made of fur or thick fabric.
"Her long gloves were tucked into a plush muff."
Also used regionally for stagnant water collected behind a barrier.
To suppress or deaden a sound, or to cover the face or head.
"The heavy door muffled the sound of the argument."
Common in descriptions of sound, speech, and movement; often used figuratively, as in muffling a voice or scandal.
The plural is used for individual hand coverings or pairs of coverings.
"She bought two winter muffs at the market."
A muff is a wearable sound barrier for the hands, while the verb muffle describes turning sound itself into a soft blur.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does muff come from?
The word comes through Old French moufle, meaning a mitten or covering for the hands, from a Germanic source related to the Old English cuff and the Old Norse motti, a mitten or covering. The verb meaning to cover or conceal developed from the idea of enclosing something, while the later sense of deadening sound follows from the muffling effect of a covering. Modern relatives include muffle, muffler, and muffled.
Related word forms
How muff is actually used
The noun is common in the sense of a hand warmer, while the related use for stagnant water is more regional and literary. The verb is formal or descriptive and is especially used with sound, voices, and movements.
Easily confused with muff
A muff is a covering, while to muffle is an action that deadens a sound or conceals someone's face or voice.