What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frill
Example
The dress had a frill around the neckline. [frill: noun]
Example
The cake was decorated with frills of frosting. [frills: plural noun]
ruffle
Example
The blouse had ruffles down the front. [ruffles: plural noun]
Example
The wind ruffled his hair as he walked along the beach. [ruffled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ruffle is more commonly used than frill in everyday language. Ruffle is versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, while frill is less common and often associated with more formal or ornate styles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frill and ruffle?
While frill is typically associated with a more formal or ornate style, ruffle can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile option.