Chaff: meaning, definitions and examples

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chaff

[ tʃæf ]

^{Context #1}

separate

Chaff refers to the husks of grains and grasses that are separated during threshing. It is the dry, scaly protective casing of the seeds of cereal grains.

Synonyms

husks, shells, straw

Examples of usage

The chaff blew away in the wind.
The farmer collected the chaff in a pile.

^{Context #2}

worthless

Chaff can also be used informally to refer to something of little value or importance, worthless talk or ideas.

Synonyms

garbage, nonsense, rubbish

Examples of usage

Ignore the chaff and focus on the important details.
He was just spouting chaff, not making any sense.

^{Context #3}

mock

To chaff means to tease or mock someone in a good-natured or playful way.

Synonyms

banter, joke, tease

Examples of usage

They chaffed him about his new haircut.
She enjoyed chaffing her friends.

Translations

Translations of the word "chaff" in other languages:

🇵🇹 palha

🇮🇳 भूसी

🇩🇪 Spreu

🇮🇩 sekam

🇺🇦 полова

🇵🇱 plewy

🇯🇵 もみ殻

🇫🇷 balle

🇪🇸 paja

🇹🇷 saman

🇰🇷 겨

🇸🇦 قش

🇨🇿 plevy

🇸🇰 pleva

🇨🇳 糠

🇸🇮 pleve

🇮🇸 kornkveiti

🇰🇿 қауыз

🇬🇪 ქერქი

🇦🇿 kəpənək

🇲🇽 paja

Word origin

The word 'chaff' originated from the Old English word 'ceaf', which meant 'husk of corn'. It has been used in English since the 9th century to refer to the husks of grains. Over time, its meaning expanded to include worthless talk or teasing in a playful manner.