Fuss means unnecessary worry, complaint, or attention given to something that doesn't really deserve it. When your little brother makes a fuss about eating vegetables, he's complaining loudly about something fairly minor. When someone fusses over a tiny scratch on their bike, they're treating a small problem like it's a disaster.

The word often suggests that the reaction is bigger than the situation calls for. If you spill a few drops of juice and immediately grab paper towels, spray cleaner, and start scrubbing frantically, someone might say you're making a fuss or being fussy about it. A quick wipe would have done the job.

People also fuss over things they care about, like a grandmother fussing over her grandchildren by adjusting their collars and smoothing their hair. This kind of fuss comes from affection, even if it feels annoying to the person being fussed over.

Fussy describes someone who fusses a lot. A fussy eater complains about food textures or won't try new things. A fussy artist might redo the same corner of a painting twenty times to get it exactly right.

The phrase no fuss means something is simple and easy, without complications or drama.