Standard Lemma guide

tousle

noun · verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈtaʊ.zəl/
  • also, proscribed: /ˈtaʊ.səl/
  • also, proscribed: /ˈtɔs.əl/
  • also, proscribed: /ˈtʌs.əl/
  • also, proscribed, rare: /ˈtus.əl/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -aʊzəl

1

noun

Meaning 1

The action of ruffling or setting in disorder.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To put into disorder; to tumble; to touse; to muss.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

disarrange or rumple; dishevel

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The strong wind tousled my hair

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: dishevel, tangle

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: disarrange

History

Etymology

From Middle English touselen, equivalent to touse + -le. Cognate with German Low German tuseln, Bavarian zusseln, züsseln.