muff
word
Definition
A 'muff' is a tube-shaped hand warmer made of fur or fabric into which both hands are placed. In sports, especially baseball and football, it also means to fail to catch or handle the ball properly.
Usage & Nuances
As a hand warmer, 'muff' is old-fashioned or historical, rarely used in modern clothing. In sports, 'to muff' is informal and mainly found in American English, describing an error in catching or handling the ball. Don't confuse with 'muff up' (to make a mistake).
Example Sentences
She kept her hands warm inside a muff.
basic
The player made a muff and lost the ball.
basic
My grandmother used to own a beautiful fur muff.
basic
In old paintings, women are often shown holding a muff in winter scenes.
natural
Don’t muff the chance to make a good impression at your interview.
natural
That punt return looked easy until he muffed it at the last second.
natural