fluff

noun

\ ˈfləf

Definition of fluff

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : down entry 7 sense 1

2 : something fluffy dandelion fluff

3 : something inconsequential

4 : blunder especially : an actor's lapse of memory

fluff

verb

fluffed; fluffing; fluffs

Definition of fluff (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to make fluffy fluff the pillows birds fluffing up their feathers

2a : to spoil by a mistake : botch

b : to deliver badly or forget (one's lines) in a play

intransitive verb

1 : to become fluffy

2 : to make a mistake especially : to forget or bungle one's lines in a play

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about fluff

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Examples of fluff in a Sentence

Noun

Her sweater was covered with fluff. The movie was pure fluff. Her latest article has the usual fluff about movie stars and gossip.

Verb

The wind fluffed his hair. The golfer fluffed another shot. The actor kept fluffing the same line.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The deeper and wider your navel is, the more space available for fluff to amass. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Excuse Me, What Even Is Belly Button Lint?," 1 Mar. 2019 This season, designers are using shearling in other ways, too—even on bags and shoes. Because why should all of that fluff and warmth be restricted to your outerwear? — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "This Winter’s Most Practical Accessories Will Make You Feel Warm and Fuzzy," 13 Dec. 2018 Lift the steam rack out of the pressure cooker and fluff rice with a fork. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Garlic Lemon Chicken with Broccoli Rabe," 16 Aug. 2018 Others look more like slippers (complete with fluff and cushioning, thank you, Gucci)—you can basically roll out of bed and wear them. — Tara Gonzalez, Glamour, "The Best Loafers to Buy This Fall," 2 Oct. 2018 Number nine is the circular-ball-of-fluff Pomeranian, and number 10 is, in a surprise twist, the Yorkshire terrier. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "most popular dog breeds on Instagram," 30 Nov. 2018 Allow to sit 15 minutes before removing the lid, then fluff quinoa with a fork and set aside to cool slightly. — Ashleigh Spitza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The joys - and time-saving benefits - of a minimalist's approach to entertaining," 12 May 2018 There are not a million pillows to fluff or accessories to dust. — Barbara King, House Beautiful, "Rob Southern on Bringing Bold Color into a Formal London Townhouse," 15 Sep. 2013 Like the original fluff balls, Zoey, Lulu, and Kali are small, personal, and interactive pets that kids can wrap around their wrists or backpacks to bring with them wherever. — Lindsey Murray, Good Housekeeping, "Three New Pomsies Toys Were Just Released on Amazon and Walmart," 2 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

This weatherproof layer traps heat against the body, an effect enhanced by fluffing up the feathers. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Here's How Birds Stay Warm in the Winter, In Case You Were Wondering," 1 Feb. 2019 If the dryer seems stuffed full, take breaks throughout the drying cycle to shake out and fluff the comforter. — Lexie Sachs, Good Housekeeping, "Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Comforter," 14 Oct. 2018 Alex Iwobi put Lacazette clean through on goal leaving him with just Lloris to beat, but the former Lyon forward fluffed his lines at the vital moment and dragged his shot just wide of the post. — SI.com, "Petr Cech Rues Out-of-Form Lacazette's Missed Chances in Tottenham Defeat," 11 Feb. 2018 Then, in the 54th minute, Long fluffed a golden opportunity after a superb dummy by Austin had left him clean through with just Willy Caballero to beat. — SI.com, "WATCH: Hazard, Giroud Light up Wembley as Chelsea Beats Southampton," 22 Apr. 2018 On 73 minutes Bjarnason fluffed a close-range opportunity but Iceland's lifeline arrived a minute later when Dejan Lovren handled a cross by Sigurdsson in the penalty area. — Peter Murphy, chicagotribune.com, "Iceland crash out of World Cup after Croatia loss," 26 June 2018 In 1831, French sociologist Alexis de Tocqueville came to the United States, that fledgling nation fluffing its wings, to observe its penal system. — Linda Rodriguez Mcrobbie, BostonGlobe.com, "Don’t get too comfortable: America’s relentless pursuit of convenience and relaxation," 19 May 2018 Mats Hummels was the latest player to fluff his lines after latching on to a ball around the six-yard box. — Nathan Hilditch, Pro Soccer USA, "South Korea 2-0 Germany: Champions curse strikes again as Germany exits World Cup," 27 June 2018 Stefan Johansen fluffed his lines on his weaker foot after Fulham were gifted a chance at goal, while Aboubakar Kamara was unsuccessful with a tame penalty following a challenge from Alan Hutton. — SI.com, "Aston Villa 0-1 Fulham: 10-Man Cottagers Secure Promotion as Captain Cairney Settles Play-Off Final," 26 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fluff.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.