coif

1 of 2

noun

ˈkȯif 

in sense 2 also

ˈkwäf 

1

: a close-fitting cap: such as

a

: a hoodlike cap worn under a veil by nuns

b

: a protective usually metal skullcap formerly worn under a hood of mail

c

: a white cap formerly worn by English lawyers and especially by serjeants-at-law

also : the order or rank of a serjeant-at-law

2

: coiffure

… wore her hair teased into a dramatic coif.

—Lawrence Wright

coif

2 of 2

verb

ˈkȯif  ˈkwäf 

coiffed or coifed; coiffing or coifing

transitive verb

1

: to cover or dress with or as if with a coif

2

[after French coiffer — more at coiffure] : to arrange (hair) by brushing, combing, or curling

Her long blonde hair was nicely coifed.

Examples of coif in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

For the Met Gala, her coif was half-braided with a feathered headpiece marking the separation to the back. —Essence, 26 Aug. 2025

Finding the right wedding hairstyles for short hair may feel like a tricky task, but there are plenty of beautiful options for brides-to-be with a cropped coif. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2025

Verb

However, for the fashion house’s 1985 ready-to-wear collection, her hairstyle was muted, coiffed in a pixie cut, blown to the left. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 July 2025

At Chanel’s 2026 Cruise presentation, lead hair stylist Anthony Turner coiffed some gleaming, razor-sharp side parts ready for Mediterranean lounging. —Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English coife, borrowed from Anglo-French, going back to early Medieval Latin cofea, cuphia, of uncertain origin

Verb

Middle English coifen, derivative of coife coif entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coif

• cough
• doff
• goff
• groff
• off
• quaff
• raphe
• scoff
• trough
• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff

Kids Definition

coif

1 of 2 noun

ˈkȯif 

in sense 2 usually

ˈkwäf 

1

: a close-fitting cap

2

: coiffure

coif

2 of 2 verb

ˈkȯif  ˈkwäf 

coiffed or coifed; coiffing or coifing

: to cover or dress with a coif