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

From Taylor Russell channeling Whitney Houston’s curly cut to Tracee Ellis Ross’s pretzeled chignon, the final leg of fashion month has now been marked as the moment for achievable, yet statement coifs. —Essence, 3 Oct. 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

Her hair was coiffed in a futuristic style by stylist Marcus Francis. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 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