huff

1 of 2

verb

huffed; huffing; huffs

intransitive verb

1
a
: to emit puffs (as of breath or steam)
b
: to proceed with labored breathing
huffed up to the peak
2
a
: 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

2 of 2

noun

: a usually peevish and transitory spell of anger or resentment
quit in a huff
Choose the Right Synonym for huff

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 manager, he huffed about the rudeness of the sales assistant Noun was in a huff because everyone was running late and the school bus would stop to pick them up in a matter of minutes gets all in a huff every time anyone makes the slightest criticism
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Pad see ew huffed with smokiness, the wok hei seared so deeply into the wide noodles that its potency could withstand even the indignities of carryout containers. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024 The guardian huffed and slammed the door shut, but a moment later, metal clunked, and the door was opened. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024
Noun
Volunteers were charged around 25 cents per huff, bringing in good profit for those who’d invested in the necessary gas tanks, tubes, and breathing bags. Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 The huffs and hums, produced by two women standing face-to-face and vocalizing from their throats, is believed to be one of the oldest music forms in the world. Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for huff 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1583, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of huff was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near huff

Cite this Entry

“Huff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/huff. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

huff

1 of 2 verb

huff

2 of 2 noun
: a fit of anger or irritation

Medical Definition

huff

transitive verb
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on huff

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!