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

His team of stylists is also a cut above the rest, should your coif be chuffed and in need of repair. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2024

Hester, who wanted his large head of hair captured, will have a heavier one, but Hammond is certain Troy Polamalu’s bust, with his long, flowing coif cast in 2021, is the heaviest in the Hall. —Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2024

Verb

You May Also Like Henson’s hair was coiffed to the side with a bold orange tint, styled by Tym Wallace. —Julia Teti, WWD, 9 Oct. 2024

Nash’s hair, styled by Theo Barrett, was coiffed with subtle curls. —Julia Teti, WWD, 24 Sep. 2024

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

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