fuss

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /fʌs/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular fuss

Plural fusses

1. (countable & uncountable) Too much activity, worry, bother, or talk about something.

   They made a big fuss about the wedding plans.

   What's all the fuss about?

2. A complaint or noise.

   If you make enough of a fuss about the problem, maybe they'll fix it for you.

3. A show of affection or about liking something.

   They made a great fuss over the new baby.

Verb

Plain form fuss

Third-person singular fusses

Past tense fussed

Past participle fussed

Present participle fussing

1. (intransitive) To be very worried or excited about something, often too much.

   His grandmother will never quit fussing over his cigarette smoking.

2. (intransitive) To fiddle; to move about, or adjust; to worry something

   Quit fussing with your hair. It looks fine.

Usage notes

• to fuss with
• to fuss over
• to fuss about

Related words and phrases

• fussy
• fidget
• fuss and bother
• no muss, no fuss