muffler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal; technical in automotive contexts.
Quick answer
What does “muffler” mean?
A long scarf worn around the neck for warmth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long scarf worn around the neck for warmth.
A device for reducing noise, especially in a vehicle's exhaust system; in British English, a silencer for a vehicle or a scarf.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'muffler' most commonly refers to a scarf. In American English, it almost exclusively refers to the car part (silencer). The car part is called a 'silencer' in British English.
Connotations
In British English, 'muffler' may sound slightly old-fashioned or literary for a scarf. In American English, it is a standard, neutral term for a car part.
Frequency
High frequency in American English (automotive). Medium to low frequency in British English (clothing).
Grammar
How to Use “muffler” in a Sentence
wear a muffler (BrE)replace the muffler (AmE)the muffler on the exhausta muffler around his neckVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “muffler” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the automotive aftermarket business: 'We stock a wide range of mufflers.'
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical texts describing clothing or in engineering papers on noise reduction.
Everyday
'It's cold, don't forget your muffler.' (BrE) / 'My car needs a new muffler.' (AmE)
Technical
Automotive engineering: 'The muffler uses chambers and baffles to attenuate exhaust noise.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “muffler”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “muffler”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “muffler”
- Using 'muffler' to mean scarf in the US (may cause confusion).
- Using 'muffler' to mean car part in the UK (use 'silencer' instead).
- Spelling: 'muffeler', 'mufler'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In automotive contexts, yes, they refer to the same part. 'Muffler' is the common term in American English, while 'silencer' is more common in British English.
It is understood but uncommon and may sound old-fashioned or British. Americans typically say 'scarf' or 'neck warmer'.
It is neutral. In its respective regional contexts (scarf in BrE, car part in AmE), it is standard, not particularly formal or informal.
The significant difference between British and American usage. A British person talking about a 'muffler' is likely discussing clothing, while an American is discussing a car repair.
A long scarf worn around the neck for warmth.
Muffler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌflə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌflər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'muffler' as a common idiom.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MUFFLER muffles sound (AmE car part) or muffles cold (BrE scarf). Think: MUFFLES -> MUFFLER.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MUFFLER IS A DEVICE FOR SUPPRESSING (sound or cold).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'muffler' in British English?