First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1tuft
noun \ˈtəft\
: a small bunch of feathers, hairs, grass, etc., that grow close together
Full Definition of TUFT
1
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
3
: mound
4
: 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
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TUFT
Middle English, modification of Middle French touffe, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German zopf tip — more at top
2tuft
verb
Definition of TUFT
transitive verb1
a : to provide or adorn with a tuft b : to make (a fabric) of or with tufts
2
: 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
TUFTED Defined for Kids
tuft
noun \ˈtəft\
Definition of TUFT for Kids
1
: a small bunch of long flexible things (as hairs or blades of grass) growing close together
Medical Dictionary
tuft
noun \ˈtəft\
Medical Definition of TUFT
1
: 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
2
: a branching anatomical structure that resembles a tuft
Learn More About TUFT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: tuftaffeta (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: tufoliAll Words Near: tuft
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up tuft? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).