huff

1 of 2

verb

ˈhəf 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• rave
• rant
• bluster

Noun

• fuss
• sweat
• panic
• tizzy

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

Verb

Through Blazy’s gaze, what looks outlandish is often revealed to be truer to itself than, for instance, the nearby tourist restaurants with candles burning down over beef bourguignon and accordions huffing in the corner. —Nathan Heller, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025

Nitrous oxide powers whip cream canisters and sedates patients in dentists’ offices, but huffing it for fun can lead to addiction, injury and death. —John Wenzel, Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2025

Noun

Lloyd evaded a diving Mahomes, Kareem Hunt and a streaking Tyquan Thornton for a huff-and-puff 99-yard interception return for a touchdown. —Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025

Kemp looked at the ceiling and blew a huff of air when Schwartz announced the sentence. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025

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

Phrases Containing huff

• huff and puff
• in a huff

Rhymes for huff

• buff
• cuff
• duff
• fluff
• gruff
• hough
• luff
• muff
• puff
• rough
• ruff
• scruff

Kids Definition

huff

1 of 2 verb

ˈhəf 

: puff entry 1 sense 1a

huff

2 of 2 noun

: a fit of anger or irritation

Medical Definition

huff

transitive verb

ˈhəf 

: 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