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Puff: meaning, definitions and examples

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puff

 

[ pʌf ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

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?
Context #2 | Noun

smoke

A short, explosive burst of breath or wind.

Synonyms

breath, exhalation

Examples of usage

  • He took a puff on his cigarette.
  • A puff of smoke rose from the chimney.
Context #3 | Verb

smoke

To draw in and exhale the smoke from a cigarette or pipe.

Synonyms

inhale, smoke

Examples of usage

  • He sat puffing on his pipe.
  • She puffed on her cigarette nervously.

Translations

Translations of the word "puff" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sopro

🇮🇳 फूंक

🇩🇪 Hauch

🇮🇩 hembusan

🇺🇦 подих

🇵🇱 podmuch

🇯🇵 息吹

🇫🇷 souffle

🇪🇸 soplo

🇹🇷 nefes

🇰🇷 숨결

🇸🇦 نفخة

🇨🇿 nádech

🇸🇰 nádych

🇨🇳 吹气

🇸🇮 pih

🇮🇸 andardráttur

🇰🇿 тыныс

🇬🇪 სუნთქვა

🇦🇿 nəfəs

🇲🇽 soplo

Etymology

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.

See also: puffed, puffer, puffiness, puffy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,133, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.