Puffed: meaning, definitions and examples

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puffed

[pʌft ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

when describing someone's cheeks

to swell or expand, often used to describe someone's cheeks when they are full of air

Synonyms

expand, inflate, swell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
puffed	Typically used to describe a sudden and temporary increase in size, often due to air or gas. It can also describe someone who is out of breath. She puffed out her cheeks in frustration. He was puffed after running up the stairs.
expand	Used for a gradual or intentional increase in size, volume, or scope. Often used in scientific, business, or general contexts. The company plans to expand its operations overseas. The universe continues to expand.
inflate	Generally used when filling something with air or gas to make it larger. It can also have a metaphorical use in economic or financial contexts. Please inflate the balloons for the party. Officials tried to inflate the importance of the event.

Word

Description / Examples

puffed

Typically used to describe a sudden and temporary increase in size, often due to air or gas. It can also describe someone who is out of breath.

She puffed out her cheeks in frustration.
He was puffed after running up the stairs.

expand

Used for a gradual or intentional increase in size, volume, or scope. Often used in scientific, business, or general contexts.

The company plans to expand its operations overseas.
The universe continues to expand.

inflate

Generally used when filling something with air or gas to make it larger. It can also have a metaphorical use in economic or financial contexts.

Please inflate the balloons for the party.
Officials tried to inflate the importance of the event.

Examples of usage

My daughter puffed her cheeks out like a blowfish.
He puffed out his cheeks and held his breath.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

when describing smoke or steam

to emit or send out in puffs, often used to describe the action of smoke or steam

Synonyms

emit, exhale, release.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
puffed	Used when describing something swollen, bloated, or slightly inflated. Often used in casual or physical descriptions. His face was puffed after the allergic reaction The pastry was puffed perfectly and golden
emit	Best used in scientific or technical contexts when describing the release of light, heat, gas, or sound from a source. The factory emits large amounts of smoke The gadget emits a small beep when turned on
exhale	Used when talking about breathing out air or when describing a sigh of relief. She took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly After the long run, he paused to exhale and catch his breath
release	Common when describing the act of letting something go, freeing someone or something, or making something available. Can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. The company will release its new product next month She gently released the bird from her hands

Examples of usage

The chimney puffed out thick clouds of smoke.
The locomotive puffed steam as it chugged along the tracks.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

when referring to a pastry

a small cake made of pastry, typically with a filling inside

Synonyms

cake, dessert, pastry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
puffed	Used when describing something swollen or inflated, often in the context of food, indicating lightness or airiness. It can also describe a state of being out of breath or swollen due to pride or emotion. The soufflé was beautifully puffed in the oven. She was puffed after running up the stairs.
pastry	Refers to baked goods made from dough, typically with a high fat content, used in items like pies, tarts, and croissants. Usually indicative of a flaky or layered texture. She picked up a freshly baked pastry from the bakery. The recipe calls for a light and flaky pastry dough.
cake	Commonly refers to a sweet baked dessert, often made for celebrations like birthdays and weddings. Can also metaphorically denote a layer or coating. We had a delicious chocolate cake for her birthday. The mud caked around his boots after the long hike.
dessert	A general term for the sweet course usually eaten at the end of a meal. It encompasses a variety of sweet dishes including cakes, ice cream, pies, and more. We had ice cream for dessert. After dinner, everyone was looking forward to the dessert.

Examples of usage

She bought a delicious custard puff from the bakery.
The bakery sells cream puffs and chocolate eclairs.

Interesting Facts

Culinary

Puffed foods, like popcorn, are made by heating kernels until they explode into fluffy shapes.
Puffed rice and puffed wheat are popular in various snacks, providing a light and crunchy texture.
In some cultures, puff pastry is a delicious treat that gets its flaky texture by layering dough and fat.

Physics

Puffed-up objects, like balloons, demonstrate important principles of physics, such as pressure and gas laws.
The concept of air pressure can help explain why things like soufflés rise when baked, filling with steam.
In fluid dynamics, puffed-up structures can influence how gases and liquids flow around them.

Fashion

Puffed sleeves on clothing add volume and elegance, often seen in historical dresses from the Victorian era.
Puffed jackets are designed for warmth and insulation, trapping air to keep the body cozy during cold weather.
Trendy fashion often includes puffed items, showcasing how styles can evolve over time while remaining functional.

Literature

In poetry, the word can symbolize emotion; a character might feel 'puffed up' with pride after an achievement.
Children's stories might describe animals or characters as 'puffed' when they are excited or trying to look bigger than they are.
The phrase 'puffed up with knowledge' is often used to describe someone who is overly proud of what they know.

Health and Fitness

Certain exercises, like deep breathing, can make your chest feel puffed up as you fill your lungs with air.
Puffed snacks are often marketed as lighter and healthier alternatives to traditional chips, though they can be high in calories.
Yoga practices often encourage 'puffed' postures, where bodies are expanded and lengthened to enhance flexibility.

Translations

Translations of the word "puffed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inchado

🇮🇳 फूलाया हुआ

🇩🇪 aufgebläht

🇮🇩 mengembang

🇺🇦 здутий

🇵🇱 napompowany

🇯🇵 膨らんだ

🇫🇷 gonflé

🇪🇸 hinchado

🇹🇷 şişmiş

🇰🇷 부풀어 오른

🇸🇦 منتفخ

🇨🇿 nafouknutý

🇸🇰 nafúknutý

🇨🇳 膨胀的

🇸🇮 napihnjen

🇮🇸 uppblásinn

🇰🇿 ісінген

🇬🇪 გაბერილი

🇦🇿 şişmiş

🇲🇽 hinchado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,557, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16554 intonation
16555 overtly
16556 shewing
16557 puffed
16558 skillet
16559 shouldered
16560 smeared
...