# tussle

/ˈtəsəɫ/ (US) · /tˈʌsəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tussle
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

a short, messy fight or struggle for something. You use it when two people or animals push, pull, or argue to get control.

For teachers: a brief vigorous struggle or contest for possession or advantage, often physical but also extended to verbal or political disputes. Implies closely matched opponents and less seriousness or violence than a fight.

## Examples

- The two dogs have a tussle over a bone.
- Two shoppers get into a brief tussle over the last parking space near the entrance.
- The boardroom tussle between the founder and the investors dragged on for months, with each leaked memo sharpening the divide over the company's future direction.

## Synonyms

scuffle, struggle, fight

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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.