Puff Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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puff
[pʌf ]
Definitions
in cooking
A small, light, round piece of bread filled with cream or jam, typically eaten as a dessert.
Synonyms
cream puff, profiterole.
Examples of usage
- She made delicious cream puffs for dessert.
- Would you like a puff with your coffee?
smoke
A short, explosive burst of breath or wind.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He took a puff on his cigarette.
- A puff of smoke rose from the chimney.
Translations
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Origin of 'puff'
The word 'puff' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Old English word 'pyffan', meaning to breathe out forcefully. Over time, it evolved to encompass various meanings related to light, airy objects and short bursts of breath. The culinary usage of 'puff' in reference to a small pastry filled with cream or jam dates back to the 17th century. In the context of smoking, 'puff' has been used since the 19th century to describe the action of drawing in and exhaling smoke from a pipe or cigarette.