# ruffle

/ˈɹəfəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈʌfəl/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ruffle
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

a small, soft fold of cloth that hangs from a piece of clothing. It is often used to make a dress or shirt look more decorative.

For teachers: a small, soft pleat or fold of fabric, typically hanging from a garment. Often used as a decorative element in fashion or textile design.

## Examples

- She added a white ruffle to the bottom of her dress.
- The designer chose to add a delicate ruffle to the neckline of the evening gown to give it a more feminine look.
- While the overall silhouette of the gown was minimalist, the subtle ruffle along the hem provided a necessary contrast that prevented the fabric from appearing too flat.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.