¹tuft

noun \ˈtəft\

: a small bunch of feathers, hairs, grass, etc., that grow close together

Full Definition of TUFT

a : a small cluster of elongated flexible outgrowths attached or close together at the base and free at the opposite ends; especially : a growing bunch of grasses or close-set plants

b : a bunch of soft fluffy threads cut off short and used as ornament

: clump, cluster

: mound

: any of the projections of yarns drawn through a fabric or making up a fabric so as to produce a surface of raised loops or cut pile

— tuft·ed \ˈtəf-təd\ adjective

— tufty \ˈtəf-tē\ adjective

See tuft defined for English-language learners

See tuft defined for kids

Origin of TUFT

Middle English, modification of Middle French touffe, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German zopf tip — more at top

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with TUFT

chuffed, ruffed

²tuft

verb

Definition of TUFT

transitive verb

a : to provide or adorn with a tuft

b : to make (a fabric) of or with tufts

: to make (as a mattress) firm by stitching at intervals and sewing on tufts

intransitive verb

: to form into or grow in tufts

— tuft·er noun

First Known Use of TUFT

1535

TUFT Defined for Kids

tuft

noun \ˈtəft\

Definition of TUFT for Kids

: a small bunch of long flexible things (as hairs or blades of grass) growing close together

: ¹clump 1

— tuft·ed adjective

Medical Dictionary

tuft

noun \ˈtəft\

Medical Definition of TUFT

: a small cluster of elongated flexible outgrowths or parts attached or close together at the base and free at the opposite ends; especially : a small bunch of hairs on the body

: a branching anatomical structure that resembles a tuft