English Dictionary

Definition of “muffle”

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1muffle1 (ˈmʌfəllPronunciation for muffle1) 

Definitions

verb (tr)

  1. (often foll by up) to wrap up (the head) in a scarf, cloak, etc, esp for warmth
  2. to deaden (a sound or noise), esp by wrapping
  3. to prevent (the expression of something) by (someone)

noun

  1. something that muffles
  2. a kiln with an inner chamber for firing porcelain, enamel, etc, at a low temperature

Word Origin

C15: probably from Old French; compare Old French moufle  mitten, emmouflé wrapped up

2muffle2 (ˈmʌfəllPronunciation for muffle2) 

Definitions

noun

  1. the fleshy hairless part of the upper lip and nose in ruminants and some rodents

Word Origin

C17: from French mufle, of unknown origin

Usage examples

  • Instantly, Lirael let go and hunched forward, trying to muffle both light and sound with her body.
    Garth Nix, LIRAEL: DAUGHTER OF THE CLAYR (2001)
  • Those originating in India are loud enough to be heard, even if you find cotton swabs to muffle your ears.
    Outlook India (2005)
  • A single screen glows with the stenciled word ``Rodent', in tribute to our current prime minister's latest attempts to muffle dissent.
    The Mercury, Sunday Tasmanian (2004)
  • No hiss, crackle, fade or muffle , and no distortion, even if you turn the volume right up.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • Eating helped to muffle these feelings which I just couldn't handle.
    French, Barbara, Coping with Bulimia (1987)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'M'

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