Muff: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers generally to a tube, usually made of fur or fabric, used for keeping hands warm in cold weather. It can also refer to other types of cylindrical covers in different contexts.

• She wore a lovely fur muff during the winter to keep her hands warm.
• The bike's exhaust muff helps reduce noise.

Typically refers to a small device or packet that generates heat, designed to be held in the hands to keep them warm. It is seen as a modern alternative to traditional muffs.

• He slipped a handwarmer into his gloves before heading out into the snow.
• Disposable handwarmers are great for cold hiking trips.

Specifically describes a type of muff that is designed solely to keep hands warm, distinguishing it from other types of muffs.

• She had a vintage hand muff that was passed down from her grandmother.
• During the winter fair, he kept his hands in a cozy hand muff.

This word is often used in informal situations to refer to making a mistake, typically in a clumsy or careless way. It can carry a somewhat lighthearted tone.

• He muffed his lines during the play
• She muffed the catch at the baseball game

Blunder is used to describe a serious mistake, often due to carelessness or lack of judgment. It has a more negative connotation because it implies a significant error.

• The CEO’s blunder cost the company millions
• He made a blunder by leaving his passport at home before traveling

Error is a neutral term used in both formal and informal contexts to denote a mistake or inaccuracy. It can refer to various types of mistakes, from technical issues to human oversight.

• There was an error in the calculations
• She made an error on her test