Word
muffler
Phoneticsmuf·fler, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈməfɫɝ/
UK/mˈʌflɐ/
注意In Japanese, マフラー usually means “a scarf worn around the neck”. In English, a muffler is usually the part of a car that makes it quieter, so say scarf for the thing you wear around your neck.
주의In Korean, 머플러 usually means “a scarf worn around the neck”. In English, a muffler is usually the part of a car that makes the engine quieter, so say scarf for the thing you wear around your neck.
Countable noun
In Japanese
(thick) scarf; muffler
私は初心者なので「ガーター編みのマフラー」か「一目ゴム編みのマフラー」から始めようと思います。
I'm a beginner, so I think I'll start from a 'garter stitch' muffler or a 'knit-one-purl-one stitch' one. Tatoeba
scarf (esp. one worn for warmth); muffler
Japanese from JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0. Example sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR. All sources.
Definition
n. a part of a car's exhaust system that makes the engine quieter. It is also an old-fashioned word for a thick scarf worn around your neck.
n. a device used to reduce the noise emitted by the internal combustion engine of a vehicle. In a secondary, more literary sense, refers to a heavy scarf or wrap used for warmth.
Examples
“The car needs a new muffler because the engine is too loud.”
“After the mechanic inspected the undercarriage, he confirmed that a hole in the muffler was causing the excessive exhaust noise.”
“The engineer explained that the muffler utilizes a series of chambers and perforated tubes to create destructive interference, effectively cancelling out the high-pressure sound waves produced by the engine.”
Examples
simple
“The car needs a new muffler because the engine is too loud.”
contextual
“After the mechanic inspected the undercarriage, he confirmed that a hole in the muffler was causing the excessive exhaust noise.”
complex
“The engineer explained that the muffler utilizes a series of chambers and perforated tubes to create destructive interference, effectively cancelling out the high-pressure sound waves produced by the engine.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “muffler” in context.
Verb
01. inspect muffler
“The mechanic inspected the muffler for cracks and corrosion.”
verb + noun
02. install muffler
“They installed a new muffler to reduce engine noise.”
verb + noun
03. muffler drones
“A loose baffle makes the muffler drone at highway speed.”
noun + verb
04. muffler leaks
“If the muffler leaks, carbon monoxide can enter the cabin.”
noun + verb
05. muffler rattles
“The muffler rattles loudly whenever the car idles.”
noun + verb
06. muffler rumbles
“The sports car's muffler rumbles on acceleration.”
noun + verb
Adjective
07. aftermarket muffler
“He fitted an aftermarket muffler to deepen the exhaust note.”
adj + noun
08. faulty muffler
“The inspection flagged a faulty muffler leaking exhaust fumes.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. hole in muffler
“A hole in the muffler explains that deafening roar.”
noun + prep + noun
10. muffler clamp
“Corrosion had seized the muffler clamp to the tailpipe.”
noun + noun
11. hole in the muffler
“The mechanic found a hole in the muffler during inspection.”
12. install a performance muffler
“He paid extra to install a performance muffler for a throatier sound.”
Usage
Commonly used in American English; the British equivalent is 'silencer'.
Etymology
Attested from the mid-16th century, the term is a routine agent noun formed from the verb muffle and the suffix -er. Originally denoting a garment used to wrap the neck or face for warmth, the word was later adapted for various mechanical devices designed to deaden sound.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/muffler
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR