huff

verb

\ ˈhəf

huffed; huffing; huffs

Definition of huff

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : to emit puffs (as of breath or steam)

b : to proceed with labored breathing huffed up to the peak

2a : to make empty threats : bluster

b : to react or behave indignantly

transitive verb

1 archaic : to treat with contempt

2 : to make angry

3 : to utter with indignation or scorn

4 : to inhale (noxious fumes) through the mouth for the euphoric effect produced by the inhalant

huff

noun

Definition of huff (Entry 2 of 2)

: a usually peevish and transitory spell of anger or resentment quit in a huff

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Choose the Right Synonym for huff

Noun

offense, resentment, umbrage, pique, dudgeon, huff mean an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity. offense implies hurt displeasure. takes deep offense at racial slurs resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will. harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives. took umbrage at the offer of advice pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity. in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation. stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause. in a huff he slammed the door

Examples of huff in a Sentence

Verb

“The project is a complete waste of time,” she huffed. demanding to speak to the branch manager, she huffed about the rudeness of the bank teller

Noun

was in a huff because everyone was running late and the hot breakfast she had prepared was getting cold gets all in a huff every time anyone makes the slightest criticism

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

West Virginia man allegedly huffed paint, beat mother with spatula. — Fox News, "FOX NEWS FIRST: Supreme showdown set for Kavanaugh, accuser; DOJ asked to probe John Kerry's 'shadow diplomacy'," 18 Sep. 2018 Fitness buffs huff and puff up and down the amphitheater aisles all year long, and wise ones keep their eyes open. — Christopher Reynolds, latimes.com, "Sitting in the palm of nature: The unique energy — and performances — of Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre," 12 July 2018 When Leo gets back from his date with a rose in hand, Chris huffs out of the room without saying a word. — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, "The Bachelorette Season 14 Episode 6 Recap: Chris Is the Worst," 2 July 2018 As Kyle Farmer stepped into the batter’s box against Chicago Cubs reliever Justin Wilson, Yasmani Grandal huffed up the steps into the clubhouse. — Andy Mccullough, latimes.com, "Dodgers settle for split in doubleheader with Cubs," 20 June 2018 Deadpool, more than any other Marvel Comics hero, huffs the fumes of plot dadaism, which fits Wilson's eff-the-world attitude to a tee. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Deadpool 2 review: Not better, but still enough bloody fun for series fans," 17 May 2018 Our potty-mouthed and essentially unkillable protagonist huffs a few breaths from his gas oven before lying down on several barrels full of test fuel. — Christopher Orr, The Atlantic, "Deadpool 2 Is Even Better Than the Original," 14 May 2018 Zielinski old investigators the items were for huffing glue, according to WVLT. — Travis Fedschun, Fox News, "Man nicknamed 'Captain Jack Sparrow' huffed glue, kicked Tennessee cops, police say," 7 May 2018 He was also arrested in Jacksonville for drinking beer at a beach and twice for huffing an aerosol can during the same two-month span, according to WFTV 9, the ABC affiliate in Orlando. — Justin Sayers, The Courier-Journal, "Ex-Indiana University wrestler, Florida man, charged with kicking swans in Orlando," 4 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

And my lungs huff, voicing their regret at my choice to bum a loose cigarette on Saturday night. — James Lynch, Popular Mechanics, "Why You Should Ski Uphill This Spring," 29 Apr. 2019 These included Diderot’s initial co-editor Jean le Rond d’Alembert, a brilliant scientist who quit in a huff early on, Voltaire, Rousseau, Montesquieu and an erudite nobleman named Louis de Jaucourt, who wrote more than 17,000 entries. — Dan Hofstadter, WSJ, "‘Diderot’ Review: Wherever His Mind Led Him," 15 Feb. 2019 Denied a chance for leave for new chances of glory, Mahrez is in a huff with Leicester and absent from full duties. — USA TODAY, "Column: Mahrez head was turned but he should resume playing," 8 Feb. 2018 Skiles quit in a huff in 2016 and was eventually proven right when the Magic dumped Payton this season. — George Diaz, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Magic dumpster fire continues to burn despite fans' frustrations," 15 Apr. 2018 Maddie took off in a huff, dashing down the busy New York City sidewalk. — Katherine Reynolds Lewis, The Cut, "Can Scientists Tell Me If I’m a Good Mom?," 17 Apr. 2018 Heather joins Jill in the restaurant after the director leaves in a huff, and the women have a strange encounter with an obsessed fan who looks suspiciously like Heather. — Ben Sachs, Chicago Reader, "Film / Money The low-budget mystery Gemini is an honest but failed study in upper-class malaise," 11 Apr. 2018 Eventually, a series of people would call until the person in charge got on the phone in a huff. — Andy Kessler, WSJ, "Don’t Be Too Eager to Make a Deal," 25 Mar. 2018 Even on their own, the two planets are astrology’s favorite villains, responsible for such misfortunes as fist-fights, traffic tickets, going to jail, and getting yelled at and quitting your job in a huff. — refinery29.com, "Your Horoscope This Week," 25 Mar. 2018

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

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Time Traveler for huff

The first known use of huff was in 1583

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More Definitions for huff

huff

verb

English Language Learners Definition of huff

: to say (something) in a way that shows you are annoyed or angry

See the full definition for huff in the English Language Learners Dictionary

huff

verb

\ ˈhəf

huffed; huffing

Kids Definition of huff

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to give off puffs (as of air or steam)

2 : to do or say in a way that shows anger He huffed out of the room.

huff

noun

Kids Definition of huff (Entry 2 of 2)

: a fit of anger or temper We argued and she left in a huff.

huff

transitive verb

\ ˈhəf

Medical Definition of huff

: to inhale (noxious fumes) through the mouth for the euphoric effect produced by the inhalant also : to inhale the noxious fumes of (a substance) for their euphoric effect teenagers huffing correction fluid