puffed; puffing; puffs
1
a(1)
: to blow in short gusts
(2)
: to exhale forcibly
b
: to breathe hard : pant
c
: to emit small whiffs or clouds (as of smoke) often as an accompaniment to vigorous action
puff at a pipe
2
: to speak or act in a scornful, conceited, or exaggerated manner
3
a
: to become distended : swell
—usually used with up
b
: to open or appear in or as if in a puff
4
: to form a chromosomal puff
1
1
b
: a slight explosive sound accompanying a puff
c
: a perceptible cloud or aura emitted in a puff
d
2
: a light round hollow pastry
3
a
: a slight swelling : protuberance
b
: a fluffy mass: such as
(1)
(2)
: a small fluffy pad for applying cosmetic powder
(3)
: a soft loose roll of hair
(4)
: a quilted bed covering
4
: a commendatory or promotional notice or review
5
: an enlarged region of a chromosome that is associated with intensely active genes involved in RNA synthesis
: of, relating to, or designed for promotion or flattery
a puff piece in the paper
Synonyms
Examples of puff in a Sentence
Verb
She sat on the porch puffing on a cigarette.
The chimney puffed white smoke into the sky.
We watched the train puff away on its journey west.
He was puffing and panting from running.
The bikers puffed up the hill.
Noun
He let me have a puff off his pipe.
She took two puffs on her inhaler before going for a run.
puffs filled with cream cheese and apricot jam
Recent Examples on the Web
Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 26 Mar. 2024
Remove the tart shell from the refrigerator; use a fork to dock the pastry in several spots to keep the pastry from puffing up.
—Kathy Gunst, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024
An opening scene introduces the two puffing cigarettes across state lines, absconding from a school trip to put up bets at the tracks (and not even on horses, but on dogs).
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 16 Mar. 2024
Sebastián came puffing down the hill in a cloud of dust.
—Jared Lemus, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2024
Then there’s the array of stretch marks on his back from when his body puffed up and deflated during his time on life support.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024
Sprinkle the pastry with a little coarse salt and then bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and puffed.
—The Editors, Field & Stream, 6 Mar. 2024
The rice should be puffed up and tender on the outside, with a little bite in the middle.
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024
The simple batter is spread on top of the bean layer and then baked until it is puffed, golden-brown and set in the center.
—Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2024
Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024
The ship never regained engine power, but Diamond said a diesel backup generator did kick in, restoring the electrical systems — the possible source of a puff of black smoke visible in video of the collision circulating on social media.
—Ian Duncan, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024
The emergency generator had kicked on, sending a puff of thick smoke belching from the ship’s exhaust stack and briefly restoring the lights, radar and steering.
—Mike Baker, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024
The Bombay Nights is made with Bombay Sapphire dry gin, elderflower liqueur, lime and a puff of cotton candy floating on top.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024
Fans did their part, tossing puffs of snow for each Bills score, giving the venue a touch of sparkly, Las Vegas superclub vibes, supplemented by confetti or streamers.
—NBC News, 16 Jan. 2024
In terms of quality and durability, the jacket features a smooth nylon-type fabric that held up well after a month of testing — our tester didn't notice a single puff of down come out of the jacket.
—Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2024
Spoon it into airy cheese puffs and serve it at brunch or bridal showers.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2024
Joel, direct and low-key, sat at a long table in his gatehouse overlooking Oyster Bay Harbor and took occasional puffs of a fruity vape (a replacement for cigars).
—Caryn Ganz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2024
Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024
The puff sleeves definitely add interest, and so does the V-neckline, floral pattern, adjustable tie at the waist, and ruffle midi-length hem.
—Carly Totten, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024
Here are some of our other favorite online reactions to the (puff, puff, pass) palindrome.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 11 Mar. 2024
Her version of luxury womenswear looks playful with 3D fuzzy tops, a silver floor-length puff dress, and collared shirts with exaggerated arm cuffs.
—Essence, 22 Feb. 2024
At the 1987 ceremony, Matlin, who was 21 at the time, hit the red carpet — and took home an Oscar for her first career performance in the drama Children of a Lesser God — in a lacy lavender gown that featured '80s puff sleeves and satin details.
—Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024
Find it on Amazon This Sweater Dress To Be Paired With Tights
Embrace the cooler weather with this Sweater Dress that has a mock neck and long puff sleeves that offer a cozy yet chic look, perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023
The couple stepped out holding hands, with Watts, 55, wearing a Dior Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 long black crepe dress, embroidered with geometric floral appliqués on a mesh background with puff sleeves.
—Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024
This gorgeous stark white satin-y sheen blazer with puff sleeves featured a sophisticated double button closure.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 29 Jan. 2024
Verb
There is a matcha cheesecake made with creole cream cheese, matcha, and cocoa powder; and sweet egg custard, with maple syrup, amaranth, and puffed barley.
—Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 26 Mar. 2024
Remove the tart shell from the refrigerator; use a fork to dock the pastry in several spots to keep the pastry from puffing up.
—Kathy Gunst, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024
An opening scene introduces the two puffing cigarettes across state lines, absconding from a school trip to put up bets at the tracks (and not even on horses, but on dogs).
—J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 16 Mar. 2024
Sebastián came puffing down the hill in a cloud of dust.
—Jared Lemus, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2024
Then there’s the array of stretch marks on his back from when his body puffed up and deflated during his time on life support.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024
Sprinkle the pastry with a little coarse salt and then bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and puffed.
—The Editors, Field & Stream, 6 Mar. 2024
The rice should be puffed up and tender on the outside, with a little bite in the middle.
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024
The simple batter is spread on top of the bean layer and then baked until it is puffed, golden-brown and set in the center.
—Ellie Krieger, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2024
Noun
As seen in footage from a Sheriff’s Department helicopter, the truck reverses toward several law enforcement vehicles, and Graziano fires his weapon, kicking up puffs of dirt.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024
The ship never regained engine power, but Diamond said a diesel backup generator did kick in, restoring the electrical systems — the possible source of a puff of black smoke visible in video of the collision circulating on social media.
—Ian Duncan, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2024
The emergency generator had kicked on, sending a puff of thick smoke belching from the ship’s exhaust stack and briefly restoring the lights, radar and steering.
—Mike Baker, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024
The Bombay Nights is made with Bombay Sapphire dry gin, elderflower liqueur, lime and a puff of cotton candy floating on top.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024
Fans did their part, tossing puffs of snow for each Bills score, giving the venue a touch of sparkly, Las Vegas superclub vibes, supplemented by confetti or streamers.
—NBC News, 16 Jan. 2024
In terms of quality and durability, the jacket features a smooth nylon-type fabric that held up well after a month of testing — our tester didn't notice a single puff of down come out of the jacket.
—Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2024
Spoon it into airy cheese puffs and serve it at brunch or bridal showers.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2024
Joel, direct and low-key, sat at a long table in his gatehouse overlooking Oyster Bay Harbor and took occasional puffs of a fruity vape (a replacement for cigars).
—Caryn Ganz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Read on for a best-selling safari shirt, the perfect white button-down that requires no ironing, and a few pretty tops featuring one of spring’s hottest trends: puff sleeves.
—Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024
The puff sleeves definitely add interest, and so does the V-neckline, floral pattern, adjustable tie at the waist, and ruffle midi-length hem.
—Carly Totten, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024
Here are some of our other favorite online reactions to the (puff, puff, pass) palindrome.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 11 Mar. 2024
Her version of luxury womenswear looks playful with 3D fuzzy tops, a silver floor-length puff dress, and collared shirts with exaggerated arm cuffs.
—Essence, 22 Feb. 2024
At the 1987 ceremony, Matlin, who was 21 at the time, hit the red carpet — and took home an Oscar for her first career performance in the drama Children of a Lesser God — in a lacy lavender gown that featured '80s puff sleeves and satin details.
—Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024
Find it on Amazon This Sweater Dress To Be Paired With Tights
Embrace the cooler weather with this Sweater Dress that has a mock neck and long puff sleeves that offer a cozy yet chic look, perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023
The couple stepped out holding hands, with Watts, 55, wearing a Dior Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 long black crepe dress, embroidered with geometric floral appliqués on a mesh background with puff sleeves.
—Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024
This gorgeous stark white satin-y sheen blazer with puff sleeves featured a sophisticated double button closure.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 29 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'puff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near puff
Cite this Entry
“Puff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puff. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
puff
2 of 3 noun1
2
: a light pastry that rises high in baking
3
a
: a slight swelling
b
: a small fluffy pad for applying cosmetic powder
c
: a quilted bed covering
puff
3 of 3 adjective
: of, relating to, or designed for promotion or flattery
a puff piece
Medical Definition
Legal Definition
puff
noun1
: an act or instance of puffing
2
: a statement that amounts to puffing
whether the seller's statement was a “puff” or an express warranty—J. J. White and R. S. Summers
J. J. White and R. S. SummersLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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