huff

verb

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\ 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

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About huff

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 There's little to huff and puff about on the mostly level ride with some fun ups and downs and no leg burning climbs. — Flip Putthoff, Arkansas Online, 21 Dec. 2021 Ecomodernists huff loudly at claims that any kind of economic downshift—planned or unplanned—can result in anything but a drastic deterioration in human welfare. — Mary L. Trump, The New Republic, 12 Aug. 2021 Ecomodernists huff loudly at claims that any kind of economic downshift—planned or unplanned—can result in anything but a drastic deterioration in human welfare. — Mary L. Trump, The New Republic, 12 Aug. 2021 Ecomodernists huff loudly at claims that any kind of economic downshift—planned or unplanned—can result in anything but a drastic deterioration in human welfare. — Mary L. Trump, The New Republic, 12 Aug. 2021 Ecomodernists huff loudly at claims that any kind of economic downshift—planned or unplanned—can result in anything but a drastic deterioration in human welfare. — Mary L. Trump, The New Republic, 12 Aug. 2021 Ecomodernists huff loudly at claims that any kind of economic downshift—planned or unplanned—can result in anything but a drastic deterioration in human welfare. — Mary L. Trump, The New Republic, 12 Aug. 2021 Ecomodernists huff loudly at claims that any kind of economic downshift—planned or unplanned—can result in anything but a drastic deterioration in human welfare. — Mary L. Trump, The New Republic, 12 Aug. 2021 Ecomodernists huff loudly at claims that any kind of economic downshift—planned or unplanned—can result in anything but a drastic deterioration in human welfare. — Mary L. Trump, The New Republic, 12 Aug. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun This prompted the institute to back out of the conference in a huff. — Damon Linker, The Week, 29 Sep. 2021 Iphigenia was sent to her death to make amends for the slaying of a stag dear to the heart of Artemis, who, in a proverbial huff, halted the winds and stalled the onset of the Trojan War. — Washington Post, 5 Dec. 2021 Durant played three seasons for the Warriors, helping guide Golden State to three straight trips to the Finals (2017-19) and winning Finals MVP honors in 2017 and ’18 before leaving in a huff. — Rusty Simmons, San Francisco Chronicle, 16 Nov. 2021 After Meg leaves the stranger's residence in a huff, Harry heads to the house and hits the motherlode. — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2021 So Lynn leaves in a huff, and Jim runs after her, and then almost gets run down by a car. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE.com, 12 Oct. 2021 Ruminate on heavier matters for too long, and some of the more rabid fisherpersons are going to quit the book in a huff. — David James, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Oct. 2021 Nate, meanwhile, goes to his office in a huff, once again twisting events so that everything that anyone else does is both about him and an affront to him. — Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2021 After being rejected by Riley, Tahz stomps off in a huff. — Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 25 Aug. 2021

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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Dictionary Entries Near huff

huevos rancheros

huff

huff and puff

Statistics for huff

Last Updated

1 Jan 2022

Cite this Entry

“Huff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/huff. Accessed 18 Jan. 2022.

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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