First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1puff
verb \ˈpəf\
: to breathe smoke from a cigarette, pipe, etc., in and out of the lungs
: to produce or send out small clouds of smoke or steam
: to move in a particular direction while producing clouds of steam or smoke
Full Definition of PUFF
intransitive verb
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
transitive verb
1
2
See puff defined for English-language learners
See puff defined for kids
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Origin of PUFF
Middle English, from Old English pyffan, of imitative origin
2puff
noun
: an act of breathing something (such as smoke or medicine) into your lungs
: a movement of gas, smoke, or air that can be seen or felt
: a light, round pastry that contains a sweet filling
Full Definition of PUFF
1
2
: a light round hollow pastry
3
a : a slight swelling : protuberance b : a fluffy mass: as (1) : pouf 2 (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
— puff·i·ness \ˈpə-fē-nəs\ noun
— puffy \ˈpə-fē\ adjective
See puff defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PUFF
13th century
3puff
adjective
Definition of PUFF
: of, relating to, or designed for promotion or flattery <a puff piece in the paper>
First Known Use of PUFF
1943
PUFF Defined for Kids
1puff
verb \ˈpəf\
puffedpuff·ing
Definition of PUFF for Kids
1
: to breathe hard : pant
2
: to send out small whiffs or clouds (as of smoke)
3
: to swell up or become swollen with or as if with air <The injured eye puffed up.> <I puffed out my cheeks.>
2puff
noun
Definition of PUFF for Kids
1
: a quick short instance of sending or letting out air, smoke, or steam <We could see puffs from a locomotive.>
2
: a slight swelling
3
: a soft pad for putting powder on the skin
4
: a light pastry
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